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Thomas Keeler Obituary
Thomas "Tom" Lee Keeler, 56, Bismarck, died June 6, 2008, at St. Alexius Medical Center after a nine-month valiant battle with cancer. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, at Word of Faith Church, Bismarck, with the Rev. Duey Heid officiating. Burial will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church.
Tom was born Nov. 29, 1951, in Bismarck, to Warren and Betty (Potts) Keeler. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1970. He served in the Army from 1970 to 1972, stationed in Alaska. Tom was employed by the city of Bismarck Airport for the past 28 years.
He loved to play pinochle, fish, hunt, camp, ride his motorcycle and play practical jokes on everyone, especially his buddies, Craig Taylor and Todd Jasper. Tom had a servant's heart; helping everyone in need and as the head usher at Word of Faith Church.
He is survived by his wife, Myra (Tschaekofske), Bismarck; his children, Bryan (Erika), Olivehurst, Calif., Deanna (Matthew) Engberg, Oakdale, Minn., Christina (Casey) Corwin, Minneapolis, and Nathan, Bismarck; his grandchildren, Fisher Engberg and Andrew, Kyle and Jordan Keeler; his brothers, Wayne (Sharon), Joseph Patrick (Lillian), Miles (Connie) and Lee (LaVora); his sisters, Kathy (Randy) Movchan and Cindy (Ron) Rehbein; and his nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents in 2007.
Go to www.eastgatefuneral.com to share memories of Tom and to sign the online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Keeler
Brenda McDowell
June 29, 2008
I'm truly saddened by the passing of a dear Christian brother in the Lord. Tom was such an inspiration to me. I loved going to the prayer room before greeting and laughing, clowning around and sharing with Tom. He was so full of life that I still can't believe he is gone from us here; however, we will all be together again for eternity.
My condolences to the family.
Donna Bosch
June 15, 2008
Myra and family
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We are so sorry to hear of Tom death. We had such a good time with you folks in New Orleans and we just shared the swamp trip Frank and Tom experienced.He was so proud of you Myra and your family. Share the memories. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Donna and Frank
Susan Deutscher
June 12, 2008
Myra and family, We so enjoyed being with you and Tom whenever we could. He was a kindred spirit in many ways. We are thinking of you, my "sister" and may you have fond memories of your loved one. God bless, Dick and Susan Deutscher
LAURA AND KEN WALL
June 11, 2008
DEAR MYRA AND FAMILY,
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HERE OF YOUR LOSS. WE REMEMBER TOM WITH FONDNESS. WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AND YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.
KEN AND LAURA
Kay Weaver
June 9, 2008
Dear Myra and family,
We are sorry to hear about Tom.
George, Kay and Mary Weaver
Sheila Doll
June 9, 2008
Myra and family, I miss Tom sneaking up on me at the office. He always tried to scare me. He was always an upbeat man and very spiritual. His positive attitude toward life will always inspire me. He has not gone far, I know he is still around in spirit and now he is whole and well again, just like he said he would be. Be strong for you will see him again as we all will some day alongside our dear Jesus.
God Bless you all.
Penny Sweetser
June 8, 2008
Myra and family, My heart goes out to you and yours...Take one day at a time ,one hour at a time when days
to come are very difficult...I will keep
in touch and see you in July.Remember Tom is only a memory away. Love Penny and Larry Sweetser
IRENE MJOLHUS
June 8, 2008
YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS
ROGER & JOY MJOLHUS
June 8, 2008
YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS MAY THE LORD KEEP YOU AND COMFORT YOU IN YOUR LOSS.
David, Char and family Leier
June 8, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Kelly & Chris Volk
June 8, 2008
Chrissy & family
We are so very sorry about the passing of your dad. He was a great guy and was always good for a great laugh. Not too many dads can pull off wearing clown shoes to their daughter's wedding! I know you all have a lot of wonderful and happy memories to keep his spirit alive. He is a person that will always be remembered.
Lindsay Rofidal
June 8, 2008
Deanna and family, I am so sorry that Tom is no longer with us. He had such a gentle spirit. We will need to play a few games of bocce ball this summer in honor of him! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Angela (Scholl) Plante
June 8, 2008
Deanna and Family - I was sorry to read of the passing of your dad. I remember him from our days playing basketball at Pioneer so many years ago. God bless you and comfort you during this time.
Debb (Goetz) Stroh
June 8, 2008
Myra and family...Deepest sympathy to you at this time of loss. May your warm memories sustain you during this time, may they dry your tears bringing smiles again in the days to come. God's comfort and peace be with you all.
Steve & Linda Aafedt
June 8, 2008
Deara Keeler Family, I want to express my sympathy for your loss. I remember meeting Tom the first time at Promise Keepers in Denver, but my connection was more with Deanna and Christina at Simle where I taught them in English and in behind-the-wheel driver ed. I have pleasant memories of this family. God bless you as you trust Him for peace and comfort. In Chirst, Steve Aafedt
Denny & Renee Schwab
June 8, 2008
Dear Myra and family,
We will always remember Tom as a great man of God. Our prayer is that our God will hold each of you close and give you comfort and peace.
Ernest & Brenda (Holweg) Erickson
June 8, 2008
We are so sorry to hear about your loss, may the help of family, friends, and prayers help you threw this difficult time.
Pete and Janice Abdo
June 8, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathryn Feist
June 8, 2008
Myra and Family,
I was deeply sadened to hear about Tom. He always had a way to make people smile. He will be truely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Reinhard Hauck
June 8, 2008
Myra and family - May God continue to give you strength and courage during this difficult time. We will not be able to make Tom's funeral because of work commitments. Tuesday is election day and I have to be at work that day. I am so sorry since you have been so gracious to us in sharing your time.
(John 14:1-4)
With our love and prayers,
Reinhard, Sherlene and family
Shirley Bauer
June 8, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
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