John L. Keeve

John Leonard Keeve is my brother. His middle name was the same as our father’s first name. And like his father before him, he deeply loved his family. There isn’t anything that he would not have done for them. He loved being with them, he loved being around them, he wanted to be with them all of the time. His wife, Meg, she was the love of his life. They shared their hopes and dreams and plans for their family and their love for one another. They both worked tirelessly, day and night to find ways to do things to help their family. His daughters were his pride and joy, each and every one of them. Jillian, the oldest, he lovingly called Jilly Bean. Kelsey, he loved to call her KK. Alyssa was fondly known as Lyssa Lou, and his pride and joy Amanda was his Manda Panda or Manders. When he wasn’t with them, he somehow found a way to be there for them, because all he wanted was to provide for them and be a good father. All four children were the pride and joy in his life. When John and I were growing up, I recall many times as brothers, how much John and I would fight and argue. Many times, we would get a bit physical in our disagreements. We used to go at it on the driveway playing basketball and we would just go hard with each other. As brothers do, we always seemed to be having some type of physical contact. There was one time in particular that we were going at it. He was probably 7 years old and I was about 10. I was on the top bunk of our bunk bed and I was trying to reach down from the top bunk to hit him. I ended up falling on the floor and got a broken arm in the process. Then a few years went by and, all of a sudden he got bigger, physically, than I was. We somehow learned to work things out in a different manner from that point on. Growing up, he was always competing in a sport or was active in Scouting. He was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and an Explorer Scout. In fact, he traveled to Europe to attend an international event with his Explorer Post. He loved to camp and be in the outdoors. For many years baseball was his favorite sport. He was a power hitter as well as a pitcher for his little league and pony league teams. He competed in track and field and basketball during his time at Forest Road School, as well as pop warner football. During high school days at Lyons Township, basketball and football became his focus and then, he went on to play college ball at Kent State University on a football scholarship. John’s adult life was like a candle burning at two ends at once. He was up early, every day and stayed up late, every night providing for the family that he was so dedicated to and so loved. His career had many ups and downs. He was in between jobs on many occasions in his life. It was very stressful sometimes not knowing if he was going to be able to provide for his family. So he always worked a second job. He umpired softball games in the summer and he referred basketball games in the winter. Often times he would work all day Saturdays and Sundays and also in the evenings during the week, he would leave straight from work. He often worked 2 or 3 or 4 games a night. Unfortunately, this too was stressful, as it seems that no one agrees with the calls that a referee or an umpire makes during the course of a game. Someone would always take exception. So you can only imagine the stress he had to deal with. He did not complain, because, there wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for his family. John was a stubborn guy, who always insisted on doing things a certain way. He was always trying to figure out a better way of doing things, more economically or better for his family. Sometimes there would be disagreements with how things should get done around the house. Or who spent too much on something he didn’t think was needed. But that is how families are sometimes. They argue and fight. But John always knew that no matter how much they might disagree on things at times, love for family was always the overriding motive for everything he did. Make no mistake about it. And like his father before him, he loved his family very much! My God rest his soul! I love you bro and I will miss you very much!

Shared by scott keeve on 8/3/2013 6:15 PM

Meg, I have only just found out. I hardly know what to say. I am so sorry. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies and sincerest condolences for both you and your family.

Shared by daniel mccarthy on 7/31/2013 3:34 AM

I recently met John via phone as I work in the Sioux Falls office. I was so impressed with his organization, project management skills, knowledge and professionalism, that I made a note to make sure to meet him in person when I am in Chicago. Suddenly losing a parent is tough. My dad died suddenly last Thanksgiving. No words can explain the pain, but the days do get easier and memories stronger. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. My deepest condolences.

Shared by jean krueger on 7/29/2013 1:20 AM

Meg, I am not sure if we ever got the chance to meet or not but I wanted to offer my deepest condolences to you and your family. I knew John in high school and when he lived on Harvey Ave about 4 or 5 houses from where I was born and raised. We used to get together often. I have many fond memories of times with John and am deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Again, my deepest condolences.

Shared by david nelson on 7/24/2013 2:45 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. John and I officiated together many times, and it was always more fun to work when he was your partner. Every time I was partnered with him, I knew I could count on a few extra laughs (something that doesn't happen enough when you are out there). He always had such great things to say about his family, too. Everyone will greatly miss John's presence...I know that I will. Your family is in my prayers.

Shared by bob vaughn on 7/24/2013 12:00 PM

Dear Meg, We just received the news of John's passing. He was a man we didn't need to know long, to see what a good person he was. He left a lasting impression on us. We know his spirit will live on through you and the girls and all of the others he has touched. We will thank him in our prayers for sharing his cheer,energy and positive spirit. Our hearts are with you.

Shared by the macellari family on 7/24/2013 1:10 AM

The last time I saw Keever was at the last LT Reunion where John "held court" as all of his female admirers were beaming to be around him (as usual). I knew John as a guy who was very popular among his LT classmates, warm & friendly socially, but on the athletic field he was devastating to his opponents. We will miss John forever.

Shared by scott mcewen on 7/23/2013 1:26 PM

Meg, My heart goes out to you and all of your family. He was a good friend who I will always remember had a smile for everyone he knew.

Shared by bill kohl on 7/22/2013 10:35 PM

Meg..our hearts are heavy upon learning of John's passing. Becky and I will never forget that it was you and John who first came to our 1210 Birks Court home to welcome us to the neighborhood with smiles and a bottle of wine. John even showed me how to lite my fireplace that cold night and told me "no logs after 8:30pm" I still follow this Rule! The girls should be proud of their father and the joy and kindness he showed others. The Leonard Family.

Shared by the leonard family on 7/22/2013 8:33 PM

Meg and girls....I am so sorry for your loss. John was a great guy, and I'm sure a terrific husband and dad to you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lee

Shared by lee blessman antonio on 7/22/2013 7:53 PM

Meg and girls, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope you find strength from your family and friends in this difficult time. The Palmer Family

Shared by jim and barb palmer on 7/22/2013 5:30 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Meg. I am so very sorry.

Shared by dan de luca on 7/22/2013 5:14 PM

Dear Jill and family, I am so sorry for your loss; you will all be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time. May God bless you all and may his memories keep you strong!

Shared by colleen kelley on 7/22/2013 2:03 PM

Meg, Jill, Kelsey, Alyssa and Amanda...Truly a sad and shocking day. I've worked with John in softball, football and basketball for well over 15+ years. He truly was a good man and an even better person to those he worked with.We could ALWAYS count on John to work, many times when we were in a bind.. Cindy and I can't even express words on what John meant to us. We loved hearing stories of the v-bal all the girls were involved in, the finishing of his basement, the travels to watch the girls play etc...John will be missed by all those that he touched and worked with.

Shared by bob and cindy morrow on 7/22/2013 12:37 PM

So sorry for your loss. You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers.

Shared by don evans on 7/22/2013 12:28 PM

I know there are no words I can give you that would lessen your pain, but my thoughts and prayers are with you. I worked with John and though I didn't know him long, I always found him to be a very pleasant and interesting person. I'm going to miss our morning conversations in the kitchen at work.

Shared by linda cheeks on 7/22/2013 11:54 AM

Dear Meg, Jill, Kelsey, Alyssa and Amanda, Our thoughts... Our prayers... Our hearts go out to you. I honestly cannot remember a single moment that I had the honor of being with your father where he wasn't either passionately pulling for his daughters or making us all laugh with his observations of the world. God bless. We'll light a candle for him.

Shared by peter urbain on 7/22/2013 9:48 AM

Diana & I are so very sorry to hear of John's passing. I remember meeting John @ your home during our freshman year @EIU & at a few ball games with your home Scott. I know he looked up to you as his big brother. You & the family are certainly in our prayers.

Shared by jim borm on 7/21/2013 9:04 PM

Meg and Girls, my heart just breaks for you with this tragic news. John was a dear friend since high school, I am so grateful I got to spend time at our last reunion and to meet wonderful Amanda. John was always happy, smiling and ADORED his gaggle of girls! My sincerest condolences. Nancy Lovell Hall, Arizona.

Shared by nancy lovell hall on 7/21/2013 7:57 PM

Dear Meg, Jill, Kelsey, Alyssa and Amanda, You are like family to us and our hearts are broken with the loss of John. He had such a presence in our neighborhood, always willing to help out or share a laugh. And clean the storm sewers in a torrential rain. He was indeed special. May God be with you at this difficult time. Love, Kathy and Pat

Shared by pat and kathy daly on 7/21/2013 4:25 AM

Meg and girls, I am so very sorry for the loss of your father and husband. I am at a loss for words right now, but know that we are thinking of you during this very difficult time. Vicki (and Sarah) Garringer

Shared by vicki garringer on 7/20/2013 8:08 PM

So sorry for your loss. John was a great guy and a great team mate. One of the few who could leave everyone on an upper after being with him!

Shared by al ermitage on 7/20/2013 5:00 PM

Jill while Grace and I were not lucky enough to meet your Dad we know by the job he did raising you and your siblings that he was a wonderful man. Remembering all the fabulous memories that you have had with your Dad will help you heal so that you can celebrate his life. You and your family are in our prayers.

Shared by rob & grace kelley on 7/20/2013 2:52 PM

So sorry for your loss. You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers.

Shared by laura hoffman on 7/20/2013 2:43 PM

Meg, My heart breaks for you and your girls. You're all in our prayers.

Shared by sue & tom foss on 7/20/2013 2:25 PM

So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers go to you and your girls.

Shared by rosanna & frank nania on 7/20/2013 12:20 PM

Dearest Keeve family, Our hearts are broken for all of you. You always knew, in speaking with your dad, whose corner he was in. He was always so supportive and positive for all of the girls and of course in supporting Meg. Always a "live the dream", if you have the passion you must go for it. Remember many a conversation about those sorts of things and no confusion ever that he so LOVED and was so proud of all of you. We have you all in prayers and thoughts. Much love, the josts

Shared by the jost family on 7/20/2013 11:39 AM

Meg, Jillian, Kelsey, Alyssa, and Amanda, There just aren't words to express how sad we all feel. The Timberlake family remembers fondly all of the wonderful times as the kids were all growing up. From sledding in the field across from your house to chasing after those golden retrievers. We hope you will be comforted by all of your memories as a family. What a nice man. He will truly be missed. Joan, Jack and Reese Timberlake

Shared by joan timberlake on 7/19/2013 10:05 PM