Charles Keeler, 1903-1924

KEELER

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 8/15/2010 at 13:56:22

CHARLES KEELER DIED SATURDAY EVENING

Popular Estherville Young Man Passed Away After Brief Illness—Funeral Yesterday

People of this community were exceedingly surprised and saddened Saturday evening when word was received that Charles Keeler, Jr., had passed away at the Birney hospital after an illness which lasted only a week. His death was caused by a ruptured appendix. Perhaps there was not a young man in Estherville who enjoyed a larger circle of friends or was held in more respect than was Charles Keeler, more popularly known to people as "Chuck." He was born in Estherville on June 29th, 1903, and at the time of his death was twenty-one years, three months and 19 days of age. His entire life has been lived in Estherville with the exception of two years which were spent in Jasper, Minn. He was graduated from the Estherville high school on June 2, 1921. While in school he was active in the high school athletics and other activities, as well as being a brilliant student. In the fall of 1923 he enrolled as a student In the Liberal Arts Department at Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, and attended school there one year. He was a member of the DeMolay Society, having joined this society at Iowa Falls. When the Estherville Chapter, Order of the DeMolay, was organized on May 19, 1922, Charles was honored by being chosen as first Master Counselor. His advancement In Masonry was a second degree Mason. When he was twelve years of age he united with the Church of Christ. All his life has been an inspiration to his friends and associates. His large host of friends was unlimited and could be numbered only by his acquaintances. Nor were his friends limited to local people. Wherever he went his cheerful disposition and his honest, upright ways made him liked by all. He possessed all the qualities of a true gentleman, which he was at all times. Charles was a loyal and true friend and one whose friendship really counted. His life was lived at all times according to the high principles which he held. Prior to his illness he was employed by the county engineer as a member of the surveying crew and was held In the highest esteem by his employer and co-workers. The passing away of Charles Keeler is indeed a great loss to this community. His life presents a challenge to the youth of Estherville in its honesty and chastity. Besides a devoted father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Keeler, he leaves a sister, Mrs. Gordon Griffis, and a brother, Harold, to mourn his departure. The respect and esteem in which Charles was held was evidenced by the huge floral offerings and the large number in attendance, at the funeral which was held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 at the Christian church in charge of the local DeMolays. The Masons were also present as were also representatives from neighboring DeMolay orders. The Democrat extends its deepest sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Keeler and family in these sad hours.

Source: Estherville Democrat, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa; October 22, 1924.