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Keane, Mark E.
husband, father, city manager, patriot, and soldier, died peacefully on April 12 surrounded by family at his home in Sedona, Arizona. He was 93. Keane was born and grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from the public service engineering program at Purdue University. Mr. Keane served his country in World War II in both Northern Africa and Italy. He was a member of the 338th Regimental Combat Team, 85th Infantry Division of the Army, attaining the rank of captain. Mr. Keane served as city manager of Shorewood, Wisconsin, Oak Park, Illinois, and Tucson, Arizona, from 1950-1966. In 1966 Keane was appointed deputy assistant secretary of the newly-created federal department of Housing and Urban Development. He served as president of the International City Management Association, and became executive director of ICMA in 1967, serving in that post until 1983. While at ICMA, Mr. Keane founded the ICMA Retirement Corporation to meet the pension needs of state and local government employees; participated in dozens of White House meetings leading to the adoption of revenue sharing policy to address urban problems; served on the President's Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped; and increased participation of minorities and women in local government through scholarships and internship programs. After leaving ICMA, Keane taught at George Washington University, where he was co-creator of a Master's degree program in association management. Keane met the former Carolyn Mims while the two were serving in a federal government internship program in Washington in 1941. When Keane was inducted into the Army in 1942, the two married in Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Mark and Carolyn had 8 children. Carolyn died of cancer in 1977. Keane was also predeceased by sons Paul and Mark, Jr. In 1981, Keane married fellow public management professional Judith Mohr. The two moved to Sedona, Arizona, where Keane became an active community member, volunteering at his church, the library, and a state park, and remained engaged in local government affairs. Mark and Judith maintained an active family and community life, and took memorable trips to Korea, China, Turkey, and Europe. Keane was a man who cared deeply about his family. He delighted in children, laughed easily, and loved deeply. He was a true patriot, and was committed to excellence and integrity. Keane is survived by his beloved wife, Judith, by their children, Dan, Dennis, Brian, Peter, Mary, Barry, Nancy, Mark, and Monty, and by 19 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sedona Sunrise Center for Adults.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My impression of city government was entirely negative until we moved to Oak Park . After I volunteered there and met Mark Keane, I was inspired to study for professional city management. RIP Mark.
William Craig
Work
April 9, 2023
Dennis and Joan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Marj (Walthier) Wolters, Salpointe class of '65
May 3, 2013
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. I was trying to find an e-mail for you and literally stumbled over the obituary for Mark. I met him at your mother's birthday party in Ottawa so many years ago. He was a very nice gentleman. God Bless you,
Almeda Sinclair Edwards
April 26, 2013
Suzanne and I offer our condolences to the entire Keane family. I am reminded of a very special phrase offered at my Mother Loraine's funeral. My Mother and Uncle Mark were very close and I believe this phrase suits Mark as well. "Do not cry for me, for I am gone. But you have only to look into the eyes of my children and grandchildren, and you will see me there."
God Bless you all.
Jim and Suzanne Davis
Jim Davis
April 20, 2013
Judith, I am hopeful that your beautiful memories will bring you peace in the coming days. Faye Watson, Lawrence, Ks.
April 19, 2013
Judith,
Our sympathy and condolences in the loss of Mark --- a long time admired, respected, and appreciated friend. I can't imagine my professional years without him!!! He made them so much better than they would have been. I was saddened by the report, but I am grateful for the memories. I'll miss him, too. Better than most, I understand.
George R. Schrader
April 17, 2013
My sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved Mark. Life seems to fly by all too quickly. How loving God is to console us with his promise of eternal life.~John 3:16
May you continue to find needed comfort in God's Word and in the love you have for each other.
April 17, 2013
Mark E. Keane will never be forgotten he was the most caring man we have ever met he did a lot for our family in the nineteen sixties he had a heart of gold. Our deepest condolences to the family. from the Gaxiola Family
Olga Irma silvia Myrna juan Gaxiola
April 16, 2013
Thank-you Mr. Keane for your service to our country!
Pam
April 16, 2013
Sincere condolences from our family. I met Mark in 1961, and he inspired me (as he did many others) to a career in city management. His contributions will live on for many years.
Bill Craig
April 16, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, his family and all who knew him during this time of sorrow and loss. We enjoyed his company, hearing of his great accomplishments, military experiences and dancing at Red's on Wednesday evenings. Mark will be missed and remembered by the many lives he has touched. May he rest in eternal peace.
Jim & Diane Churko/Rita Daubner.
Jim & Diane Churko
April 16, 2013
My prayers and deepest sympathy to your family. The loss of one's dad is extremely hard. Peace be with all of you. Sidley Brown Greer
Sidley Brown Greer
April 15, 2013
Joan and Dennis take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Marcus Lundquist '65
April 15, 2013
Judith, I have never met someone who always put a smile on my face like Mark. The two of you were an amazing pair. I know your life will not be the same, but the love that you naturally put out will bring you peace in the near future. Much love, Doris Whirley
April 15, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to you. Raymond Farney, Class of '65.
April 15, 2013
Condolences. Losing family members is a painful but growing experience. You are in our prayers.
Bob Knickerbocker
April 15, 2013
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to Mr. Keane's family and friends. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Salpointe Catholic High School
April 15, 2013
My Dad Nazario A. Gonzales, former assistant city manager worked under Mark Keane at the Tucson city Mangers office. He
always praised him and respected him for his knowledge and integrity. May he rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Norma Gonzales Lopez
April 15, 2013
A great man that will be deeply missed by many. A great life that enriched many. Joyfully greeted by many., I'm sure.
Trudy Mohr
April 15, 2013
May you have peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
April 15, 2013
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