| Arthur Lee Keefe, Sr.
Arthur L. Keefe, Sr. was born Dec. 15, 1897, and entered into rest May
13, 1987 at Mercy Hospital, Corning, Iowa. Artie was the eldest of four
children born to Walter Keefe and Eva Kepner Keefe, in Adams County, Iowa.
He worked and lived in Adams County all of his life as a baker, cook
mechanic and custodial maintenance except for a period of military
service, serving with his brother, Kenneth, in Company K, Rainbow
Division during World War I from April 17, 1917, to April 19, 1919. It
was during this period he saw action in France and Germany. He was the
last survivor of Company K of Corning.
The unit served with distinction in such famous overseas campaigns as
Champagne, Chateau-Thierry, St. Michiel, Marne and the Argonne Forest in
France. Keefe served as a cook and was wounded in action by shrapnel.
When he returned from military duty he married Hilda Bauer Aug. 6, 1919,
and of this long happy marriage two sons were born, Frank and Arthur, Jr.
Artie and Glenn Stargell organized and were charter members of the VFW
in Corning. He also was a charter member of Corning Ourcq Post 117 of
the American Legion and has been a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was the first custodial maintenance employee when the Rosary Hospital
opened its doors, and served in that capacity for 15 years, retiring at
67 years of age. After retiring, his entire remaining years were devoted
to family and friends and his love of children knew no bounds.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Kenneth; two
sisters, Edna and Vada; and a great-grandson, Joshua.
Survivors are his wife, Hilda; sons Frank and his wife Ruby of
Thomasville, Ga., Arthur, Jr. and wife Beverly of Raymore, Mo.;
grandchildren, Frank, Jr., Ceclia Ann, Arthur III and wife Janice, Maria
Lund and husband Charles, Nicholas and Joni; and three
great-grandchildren, Tanner Lund, Nicole Keefe and Nathan Keefe.
Funeral Mass was at St. Patrick's Church May 15 at 10:30 a.m. with
Father Fred Reischl officiating. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery,
Corning, Iowa. Military rites were conducted by American Legion Ourqc Post #117.
Music was provided by Theresa Cruise, pianist, Jenny Brokaw, vocalist
and Peter Jacobus, guitarist and vocalist. Casket bearers were Fred
Dimmler, Harold Nevius, Stanley Peterson, Jack Hill, Francis Mack and
Jack Cruise. Honorary bearers were John Moore, Lewis Crouse, Pat O'Hara,
Dallas Hynnek, Ron Figgins, Paul Gauthier and Dale Boswell.
(Adams County Free Press, Thursday, May 21, 1987)
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