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Nathaniel Keffer Obituary

HANOVER Nathaniel V. Keffer, 31, entered into God's eternal care on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at his home with his loving family by his side. Born October 24, 1980 in Hanover, he was the son of Jean M. (Walter) Racer and her husband David and Stephen P. "Reds" Keffer and his wife Jackie all of Hanover. Nate was a 1999 graduate of New Oxford High School and was employed at The Landing Restaurant in Hanover. He was a member of the Republican Club, New Oxford Social Club and the McSherrystown Home Association. He was a veteran of the Army serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Korea. Nate was an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, Notre Dame football and Kansas Jayhawks basketball. Surviving in addition to his parents is a daughter, Alissa Keffer, at home; and five siblings, Brandon Racer, Justin, Steph, Zach and Luke Keffer, all of Hanover. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Julia Walter and Andy and Eileen Keffer. A service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at St. James Lutheran Church, 109 York St., Gettysburg, with Rev. Michael E. Allwein officiating. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, McSherrystown, with military honors provided by the Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard. Friends and relatives will be received Wednesday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 501 Ridge Avenue, McSherrystown, and Thursday from 9 a.m. till the time of the service at the church. Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Keffer, Zach Keffer, Luke Keffer, B.J. Wilke, Dakota Miller, Chris Green, Nick Bowers and Jay Johnson. Contributions in remembrance of Nate may be made towards a trust fund for his daughter, Alissa, c/o Jean Racer, 2925 Centennial Road, Hanover, PA 17331 Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.murphyfuneralhomeinc.com

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Published by Evening Sun on Jan. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Nathaniel Keffer

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Ashley (Rhodes) Gamba

January 28, 2012

My thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are with the Keffer and Racer families. I will be forever grateful for having had the pleasure to call Nate my friend over the years. It is an understatement to say that he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Pam Mowrer-Flynn

January 27, 2012

To all the Keffer and Racer family members. My thoughts and prayers are with you at your time of sorrow.

Danielle Buchma

January 26, 2012

My thoughts are with the Keffer and Racer families during this difficult time. I knew Nathaniel since our grade school days at St. Vincent's, and I can truly say that Nathaniel's giving nature and winning smile weren't something he developed in adulthood; they were his gifts to the world since he was a tiny child! We'll miss you, friend.

Alan-Vicki Little

January 26, 2012

Jean, Reds, Jackie and Families
Words cannot be said how terrifying it is what you are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone. May Nate's memories last forever.

Alison MacAvoy

January 26, 2012

My condolences and prayers go out to all of Nathaniel's family and friends. I have many fond memories of Nathaniel since kindergarten. My mother, Ginny, would always remind Nathaniel & I of a kindergarten photo of the two of us holding hands and dressed in costumes. As embarrassed as we would get by this reminder it has always been one of my favorite stories. I love and miss you Nathaniel.

January 25, 2012

Jean and family,
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Nathaniel was a terrific young man...always had a great smile. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Kathy Roth and family

January 25, 2012

To Reds, Jackie,and family.

We often wonder why God takes the young and "special" ones....We wondered with Jake, Patty, and now Nate....WE are all are striving to get to where they are, just think what a good day that will be when we do!!!!

Love,
George and Paula

Mandy Campbell

January 25, 2012

So sorry to hear of Nate's passing. We have some good memories of him from high school. Our prayers are with your family today and all the days that lie ahead.

Mandy & Mike Campbell

Becky Bittinger

January 25, 2012

To the Keffer and Racer Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

Brian Colgan

January 25, 2012

Deepest sympathy Jean, Reds and the Keffer and Racer families. Nate was a great guy that I had the pleasure to get to know pretty well in the last 5 years. Prayers for him and all of you.

Tiffany Leitzel

January 25, 2012

My words feel so inadequate when thinking about the loss of Nathaniel. I can only offer my prayers for your family during this difficult time. I will always remember Nathaniel with a smile on his face and laughter in his heart because that is how he treated me everyday while I was his classmate at St. Vincent's.

January 25, 2012

Dear Jean,
I am so sorry for your loss...I know that words cannot ease the grief you are feeling. I remember Nathan from when he was a little boy and I would pick him up for you at his daycare center when you couldn't get off work early enough to do so and...I remember how Rex would tease him to get him all wound up. What a precious little boy and I can still see that little boy in his face. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. May God give you peace and comfort.
Much Love...Lori Brady Messinger

January 25, 2012

Reds, Jackie, Steph and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this time of sorrow. Please let us know if you need anything.

Zum and Julie

Heather Deckelman

January 25, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Keffer family and all the friends touched by Nate..I remember growing up with Nate and will never forget his kindness and great personality.

January 25, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Nate was a great guy and kept everyone smiling, he will be truely missed.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Suzanne Y. and Ryan Myers

January 25, 2012

Sending love and prayers to the family and friends of Nate during this difficult time. Though I only met Nate a few times, I've known the Keffer family for years and I know they loved him very much. I could tell how great of a person he was and was always looking out for everyone else. I hope that things go as smoothly as possible over these next two days and may the families find peace in knowing Nate is resting easy now.

Renae Scott

January 25, 2012

Dear Jean, Dave, Brandon, & Keffer Family,

Nathaniel was a great guy. I remember spending the night and reading books with him when we were little. I remember graduating with him. It seems so unbelievable that he is gone. I'm so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you!
Love,
Renae, Dennis, and Alex Scott

Galen Richard

January 25, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time .~Pamela and Galen Richard

Doc Goodermuth

January 25, 2012

Reds and Jackie, my prayers are with you at this time. I had a great time working with Nate.

John West

January 25, 2012

Keffer Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and so sorry he left us at an early age. Never fogotten!!

Mandy Johnson

January 24, 2012

To the Keffer and Racer family. My condolences and prayers are with you. I will never forget the fond memories of Nate. He was a one of the most fun people to be around. He was able to effortlessly make everyone else have a good time. He had great character and a big heart. My sympathy is with you in this your time of grieving.

Helen McNabb

January 24, 2012

Dear Jean, Dave, Brandon, & Keffer Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Nathaniel's passing. No words can express the grief you must be feeling but rest assured that "...God is with you always to the very end of the age." Matt. 28:20

Keith & Nancy Kraber

January 24, 2012

Although Nate was our neighbor, we never got to know him personally but knowing both families we want everyone to know that are thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

January 24, 2012

Our hearts our breaking over the loss of Nate. His smile and joyful personality always lit up the room and his heart was so big. To the Racer and Keffer families- we are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers. All our love, Carrie and Catlin Gould

Meg Carlson

January 24, 2012

Zach, Luke & family... so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you all can take comfort in the memories you had together. Thoughts and prayers are with you guys.

January 24, 2012

To the Keffer and Racer families: We remember Nathaniel as that dear little boy and then the amazing man and father he became. We will miss him and send our deepest sympathy to his loving family. Jody & Ginny MacAvoy

January 24, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to all of Nathaniel's family. Although we didn't know him personally, Teresa often spoke of him. May your memories give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Rogers Family

Harold and Bonnie Leister

January 24, 2012

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Rachel Cox

January 24, 2012

Reds, Jackie & families,
I did not know Nathaniel personally but I have heard nothing but wonderful amazing things about him from his friends who loved him very much. Please accept our sincerest condolences & know that you all are in our thoughts & prayers.

Dijon Shank

January 24, 2012

A service man, father, boss, & friend...such an amazing soul gone too soon...We will miss your smiling face and huge heart...my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends in this time. R.I.P buddy

Raymond Buchheister (Jr.)

January 24, 2012

Jean Marie,

I just received word about Nathaniel. I can't imagine what a parent feels like when their child passes before them, but know it must be very hard. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

January 24, 2012

REDS,JEAN,REX and all the family we send our SYMPATHY and PRAYERS you will ALL be in our daily Thoughts and Prayers Burnell & Linda Eltz

Emily Arigo

January 24, 2012

So sorry for you loss. Nate was a great guy. We shared many memories while in high school together. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Camp

January 24, 2012

Jean, Dave, Brandon and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy for your family at this time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The Camp Family

Michelle Wineke

January 24, 2012

Dave and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers! May the Lord grant you peace of mind during this difficult time. With our love, Brett, Michelle, and Zoe Wineke

Megan Belcher

January 24, 2012

Jean, you know I love your whole family, you guys have been such a big part of my life, I am praying for you daily and hope that God gives you comfort and strength in this most terrible time...and I feel truly honored that such a loving and amazing person as Nathaniel was my friend. Love you all and take care!

Mark and Tiffany Kelley

January 24, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of great sorrow. Nate was a special person with such a huge heart. He will be missed beyond words. Rest in Peace friend.

kristen brodie

January 24, 2012

Dear Reds and Jackie,
my deepest sympathy for your family at this time no that nate will be missed by many heaven recieved another angel.. no that he is looking upon us

Doreen & Chris Mummert

January 24, 2012

To all the Keffer and Racer family members, We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved son and our dear friend, Nate. He added so much joy to all of our lives and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you~

Ashlyn Lovett

January 24, 2012

Jean,Dave,Brandon and family
Please accept my deepest sympathy. May god give you comfort in your time of sorrow. Many prayers to your family.

Jessica Adams

January 24, 2012

Praying for the Keffer and Racer families and all of nate's friends. He was a wonderful friend to me. I already miss him
So much and know we will all think of him often and smile because of the memories we have been left with. And until we meet again, I'm sure Nate is tearing it up in heaven <3

Karen Fogle

January 24, 2012

Reds and Jackie,
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you both and your entire family.
God Bless,
Karen (Gentzy)

Jessica Adams

January 24, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Keffer and Racer families. Nate was a wonderful friend to me, who I miss so much already and will think of often. I hope every finds comfort in knowing he is pain free and partying in heaven <3

Vicki and Scott Good

January 24, 2012

Dear Jean and family,

We're so sorry to hear of Nate's passing. You are in our prayers.

Shane and Dawn Wonder

January 24, 2012

Our deepest sympathy

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