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Joseph F. "Jeff" Keeler Jr.

Joseph Keeler Obituary

KEELER Joseph F. "Jeff" Keeler Jr.'s Spirit passed peacefully from this life to New Life on Saturday, March 26, 2005. He was surrounded by his extended family at home. Jeff was blessed with boundless energy. He was a good listener, and a great communicator. He valued individual uniqueness and generously shared his time and resources with others. His enthusiasm made everything he did more fun for everyone. His genuine caring created lifelong friendships. He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 41 years, Diane Fishel Keeler; son, Rick (Lauren) Keeler of Columbus; and their daughters, Meghan and Emily; son, Scott (Tamara) Keeler of Clermont, FL; brother, Bob (Chris) Keeler of Reading, PA; sister, Jane Keeler (Larry) Bennett of Cincinnati, OH; sister-in-law, Sherry (Jack) Fishel Barger of Columbus; brother-in-law and business partner of 20 years, Richard (Donna) Fishel of Dallas, TX; mother-in-law, Martha Youngman Fishel of Columbus; and a wonderful bunch of nieces and nephews whom he adored. Jeff was born December 23, 1940 in Cleveland, OH and grew up in Wyomissing, PA. He is pre-deceased by his loving parents J. Fred and Dorothy Keeler of Wyomissing, PA, and his father-in-law business partner and favorite mentor Ken Fishel. Jeff graduated from Denison University in Granville, OH in 1963 and served four years in the United States Air Force as a Transportation and Traffic Management Officer in Long Island, Greenland and Colorado Springs. Jeff joined Fishel Company in 1967 as part of a field crew to learn the utility construction business from the underground up. He was named President and CEO in 1980 and Chairman in 2002. From 1981-1983, with the help of many talented teammates, Jeff expanded the business from central Ohio to Texas, Arizona and California. Jeff devoted time and energy to numerous community interests including Buckeye Boys Ranch, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, First Community Church, James Cancer Hospital, Upper Arlington Rotary, Upper Arlington Schools, and Camp O-AT-KA in Lake Sebago, ME. He served on the Advisory Boards of several Columbus area businesses. He was active in the Young Presidents' Organization and served on their International Board. Jeff loved competitive sports through which he developed great friendships that enriched his life. At the age of 50 he took up golf and was passionate about the challenge. Jeff's zest for life will be greatly missed by his extended family, Fishel Company teammates and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 1, 2005 at 4 p.m. at First Community Church (Main Sanctuary), 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212. His family looks forward to sharing memories with friends following the service in Brownlee Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: First Community Foundation, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212, HomeReach Hospice, 3595 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus OH 43214 or your favorite charity. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Mar. 28 to Mar. 29, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Keeler

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Jim & Gwen Klein

April 2, 2005

The Klein and Keeler families met in 1948 and had been close friends ever since. Beginning in grade school,Jeff was a roll model and mentor to me. His competiveness, code of ethics,leadership skills and empathy for others, were strong traits that he displayed early on in his life. I know that he had the same effect on many others after he left Wyomissing. Jeff had a terrific career as a busines and community leader in addition to being a great family man.

Our deepest sympathy !

Jennifer Watson

April 1, 2005

We will miss Jeff deeply. I feel honored to have known him. His spirt will live on here forever at Team Fishel.

Garrett Stevens

April 1, 2005

Diane-Andrea and I wanted to extend our most sincere sympathies to you and all the family on Jeff's passing. My family and the Keelers were neighbors and great friends who grew up together in Wyomissing. I'll always remember and cherish the times we were together. Jeff was my first basketball coach. From what I can tell he never stopped being a coach, encouraging, mentoring and just making sure we all saw the possibilities and the rewards of living life to the fullest. May your faith and your family and friends be your refuge until you and Jeff meet again.

Paul Hester

March 31, 2005

I knew Jeff as an employee of Fishel Technologies. And I have to say I have never known a more fair and honest man to work for. Jeff was a role model for all business leaders to follow and truely cared for the poeple that worked for him.

The day I left Fishel, Jeff took time out of his day to walk through the office to find me just to shake my hand, and wished me luck in my new ventures. He was that kind of employer. But it was the way he said, " I never fault anyone trying to better themselves, and if you ever need a job, come on back". I will never forget that offer, or working for a man like him.



Thanks Jeff

Royal Riedinger

March 31, 2005

I knew Jeff through his sister Jane. Whether at his home in Columbus or Jane's in Cincinnati, it was always a pleasure to share thoughts and experiences with him. My deepest sympathy to Diane and all the extended family. You are in my prayers.

Gerri Muroski

March 31, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the Keeler family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Christine (Ruth) Schwartzkopf

March 31, 2005

Dearest Diane, Bobby, Janie and family...My love and condolences are with you all at this time. Jeff was the "epitomy of men". I can visualize all the wonderful childhood/adolescence memories throughout the years we lived in Wyomissing and attended school from beginning to graduation, together. His enthusiasm was contagious and I can picture that adorable smile. I am confident that your faith will sustain you, knowing that he is with the Lord God. Love and blessings to all of you. Wyomissing High School Class of '59.

Glenn&Betty Hayes

March 30, 2005

To all the family, So sorry for your loss. He was a good man and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Paul David Hayes

March 30, 2005

We are sorry for your loss. Have known Jeff for a long time. Jeff was one of a kind and his enthusiasm and generosity will be greatly missed. Teammate Paul David Hayes & family-(Dayton area)

Dorothy Bennett

March 29, 2005

My heart and prayers are with you all. Although I didn't know Jeff, I know how close Jane was with him and how much she will miss him. From some of the stories I have heard, Jeff was a great person. I know he will be missed by all who knew him.

Stacie Rodgers

March 29, 2005

To me Jeff was the picture of Fishel. He could make you smile just by him walking in the room. He always made you feel comfortable. He was a big influence why I am still a member of Team Fishel. He will be deeply missed.

Pam Paulos-Strike

March 29, 2005

Diane and Family,

I was truly saddened at the news of Jeff's passing...knowing his suffering over the last while from Jane, I just wanted to pass along my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I believe Jeff is in a better place...and I know he will be remembered always by those who knew and loved him. Peace for all of you, Pam

Brian Trotier

March 29, 2005

In my opinion, the life of Jeff Keeler can be described by the word "gentleman". I feel honored to have shared time with him and his wonderful family and offer my deepest condolences to them.



Brian L. Trotier

Indian Hill Church

March 29, 2005

Through Jane (& Larry Bennett), we've come to know how much joy and love and happiness Jeff brought to his family and friends. We wish you comfort & peace- know that our prayers are with you all. With love, the Congregation of the Indian Hill Church.

Don and Donna Gepfert

March 28, 2005

Jeff was a special man.

I will always remember his wonderful smile and positive attitude.....and this phrase he shared with me many years ago." It is better to be a back slapper than a shin kicker!"

His Pennsylvania Dutch speech imitations were priceless.

We are richer for having shared his friendship!!

Don and Donna Gepfert

Mark and Mary Johnston

March 28, 2005

All who knew him were blessed. Only to see how he influenced others that he came in contact with. His love of family will be carried out through his own sons. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Ronald V. Johnson

March 28, 2005

Jeff was enthusiastic about his family, church, friends and business, too. - on his journey may that enthusiasm continue.

We shared a relationship through our sons, his Rick and my Ron. From preschool to adulthood, their growth and development was part of a great friendship and a special joy. That kind of joy was part of the fiber of Jeff, reflected in his family and his world. May we gain from that ability to have joy.

Love and condolences to Diane and Jeff's immediate and extended family.

Cheryl Zupke

March 28, 2005

My father worked with Jeff Keeler for many years. I will always be indepted to Jeff for how well he treated my father and our entire family. Jeff was a wonderful example of a Godly man and an inspiration to those who knew him.



God bless all those who loved and will miss him.



Cheryl Zupke (Wiggins)

Brad Dunlevy

March 28, 2005

Our world will not be the same without him. He made such a great impact on so many peoples lives that his spirit will continue on in all of us. I am proud to have been a Teammate and honored to be able to call him a friend.

Pat Sullivan

March 28, 2005

Enjoy Rotary!! That was Jeff's motto when President Of Rotary. It was a simple and powerful statement which is the way Jeff approached every task he undertook, as well as life itself. I will never forget him!!

Greg Guy

March 28, 2005

You have our deepest condolences.



Jeff was a wonderful person. He is in a better place.



Much love.



Greg Guy and Lisa Ingram

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