Keen, Alice 1910-2003

KEEN, WEBER, WHEELER, WOMELDORFF, MCFERREN, ALEXANDER, MASON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/8/2013 at 10:45:50

The Montezuma (IA) Republican; June 11, 2003

ALICE KEEN, 93

Alice (Mrs. A.H. "Al") Keen, 93, of DeWitt, died early Wednesday morning, June 4, at DeWitt Community Hospital.

Her funeral service was Saturday, June 7, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, with the Rev. Terry Hamilton-Poore officiating. A graveside service was held at Jackson Township Cemetery, Montezuma, after the funeral service with interment following.

Mrs. Keen, the former Alice Wheeler, was born Feb. 2, 1910, in Montezuma, the daughter of Sid and Blanche (Weber) Wheeler. Following her graduation from Montezuma High School, she received a Bachelor's Degree in 1930 from Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa).

Alice taught school at Newton, Zearing and Montezuma prior to her marriage to A.H. Keen on June 28, 1941, at Montezuma. Early in their marriage, the couple owned and operated an automobile and implement dealership in Pontiac, Ill. In 1948, they purchased the Just-A-Mere Farm near Low Moor where they lived until moving to DeWitt in 1978.

Alice was an active member of the Republican Women's Club, Pierian Society, American Cancer Society, DeWitt Community Hospital Auxiliary, Iowa State Extension Services Council Board and the American Association of University Women. Alice was very active with the Clinton County Extension Service Council which established the mobile meals program for the DeWitt area, started the County Historical Society and the Academic Honors Banquet for high school students.

Alice was extremely supportive of education and community services. She and Al gave substantial donations to Clinton Community College, Dewitt Community Hospital, DeWitt Library, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Hoover Presidential Library at West Branch.

Surviving are sons Charles Richard Keen and wife Judith Ann of Chelmsford, Mass.; Thomas Wheeler Keen and wife Lynn of Salt Lake City, Utah; Robert Russell Keen and wife Elisabeth of Albuquerque, New Mexico; William Joseph Keen and wife Wendy of Mason City; John Edward Keen and wife Nancy of Whitefish Bay, Wis.; David Dawson Keen and wife Judith Perkins of Shorewood, Wis.; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a brother, Frank Wheeler, and wife Dorothy of Montezuma.

Preceding Alice in death were her husband, Al, on Aug. 29, 1998; sisters Edna Womeldorff, Irene McFerren, Bernice Alexander and Eleanor Mason; and brothers Glenn Wheeler and Allen Wheeler and an infant brother Lester Wheeler.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.