Dick was born in Dow City, Iowa on June 17, 1924 to Ward and Emma Marie Keairnes. Ward and Marie were blessed with 10 children; Vernon (deceased), Richard, Corrine (deceased), Robert (deceased), Helen McCoid (Dale deceased), Lois Richardson (Jim deceased), Darrell, Marvin (deceased), George (Maria) and Ronald (deceased). Growing up on his Grandpa George Keairnes' farm, Dick learned the values of hard work. After graduating from Dow City High School, Dick joined the Army and served his country in World War II stationed in New Guinea.
Following the conclusion of the war Dick moved to Omaha working as a lab technician at Immanuel Hospital. There he met his bride of 65 years, Doris Hertz. They were married on March 20, 1948. Their union blessed them with three boys; Mark (Sarah) of Des Moines, IA; Bruce (Diana) of Overland Park, KS; and Scot (Jeannine) of San Antonio, TX.
Most of Dick's working life was spent at South Omaha Supply as a salesman calling on grain elevators and feed stores. Dick was proud of his many top salesman awards.
Dick took up golf in his 40's enjoying weekends at Fremont Country Club until his mid 70's. Growing up on a farm he naturally took to the traditional outdoor activities of fishing and hunting. Summers would find Dick and Doris on the water in Canada and Minnesota. Dick spent falls hunting pheasants with his friends in northeast Nebraska.
Dick had the gift of gab spending many hours quizzing his 8 grandchildren about their lives as they grew into young adults. Dick is also survived by 3 great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church (3200 E. Military) in Fremont at 10:30am Monday, February 3. His family will receive friends at 9:30am preceding the funeral service. Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery in Fremont with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to First Lutheran Church Building Fund.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences(2)
Barb (Smith) Christiansen
Littleton, CO Tuesday, February 4, 2014 Dear Mark & Bruce.... Mark & I were classmates but I remember your brother Bruce from elementary school too. We go back a lot of years in Lincoln Elementary but have not stayed in touch. I was reading the Fremont tribune obituaries when I came across your dad's. I'm so sorry to hear about his passing & wanted to give my sincere condolences. Although I did not know your dad & after reading his obituary, I know he was a great person & that his good qualities are & will be seen thru you two!May he rest in peace. Our sincere sympathy & condolences.
Barb & Dave Christiansen
Jeff Keairnes
San Diego, CA Monday, February 3, 2014 Dear Aunt Doris, Mark, Bruce, Scot and all family,We are so sad to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wish I could be back to be with you during this incredibly difficult time.
Love to you all and God Bless....
Jeff and Anh Keairnes