The Denison Free Press - Newspaper Serving Denison and Crawford County, Iowa

View Original

Richard Joseph Keating

Richard Joseph Keating
March 16, 1943-July 17, 2024

Richard “Dick” Joseph Keating was born on March 16, 1943 in Denison, Iowa, the son of Vincent and Elsie (Miller) Keating. He was baptized and later confirmed in the Catholic faith. He attended Denison Community School and graduated with the class of 1961.

In 1962, Dick married Linda Schwanz and from this union they were blessed with one son, Richard Keating Jr. The couple later divorced in 1977. On August 18, 1979, Dick found love once again when he married Connie Goslar in Charter Oak. Their union brought forth a daughter, Missy, before they too parted ways in 2007.

Dick’s life was filled with diverse experiences and a deep connection to the land. He worked at IBP and farmed Keating Corner alongside his father before venturing to Colorado, where he worked as an auto mechanic and construction worker. In the early 70s, Dick returned home to Denison, where he purchased D&L Tap in Charter Oak. He never lost touch with his agricultural roots and continued farming in the Denison area until his retirement in January of 2006.

Known for his vibrant personality and love for camaraderie, Dick enjoyed drinking beer with his friends, also known as, “safety meetings”. His passion for fishing led him on memorable trips to South Dakota with close companions. A master gardener, he took great pride in nurturing his garden, excelling in canning produce, and maintaining a pristine lawn.

One of his greatest pleasures was baking delicious treats and sharing them with others, especially taking them to Missy’s work. Among his many interests, spending quality time with his beloved family stood out as Dick’s most treasured pastime. He adored his grandchildren and found true happiness in their presence. His warm smile and generous spirit touched the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dick passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska attaining the age of 81 years, 4 months, and 1 day. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Dennis Keating.

He is survived by one son, Rick Keating, Jr. and his wife Marla of Charter Oak; one daughter, Missy and her husband Keith Crawford of Denison; grandchildren: Danielle and her husband Scott Uhl of Castle Rock, Colorado, Joshua Keating and his fiancé Natalie of Henderson, Colorado, Kylie Crawford of Council Bluffs, Bryli and Brenna Bubke of Schleswig, and Kane Crawford of Denison; brother, David Keating and his wife Diann of Ogallala, Nebraska; other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Thursday, July 25 at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM led by Rev. Curt Copple. Recorded musical selections included “Dancing in the Sky” by Dani & Lizzy, “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton and “Troubadour” by George Strait. Serving as honorary urn bearers were Dave Boettger, Ricky Barnett, Neil Boettger, Andy Hipnar, Chris Graeve and Gene Kragel. Services were entrusted to the Huebner Funeral Home.

See this gallery in the original post

Follow us on Facebook for the latest news and updates

See this social icon list in the original post