Pauline Keck Langner

1926 - 2025

1926 - 2025



Pauline was born to John Keck and Magdalena (Neiffer) Keck on the first day of summer, 1926. Born at home, in Startup, Washington, Pauline was the 7th of nine children. She lived in the Skykomish Valley for 64 years before moving to Whidbey Island, and then eventually Longview, WA. Pauline married Werner (Nook) Langner and with him had three sons - Alan, Paul and James. She was preceded in death by her folks, her brothers Bert, Emil, Arthur, John and Ellis, and sisters Bertha, Hertha and Doris, her husband Nook, and son Alan. Her nickname, 'Jeevie,' was her preferred moniker. She was proud to have grown up on a farm and boasted 'strong hands from milking cows.' She chided Nook for years about the most expensive shoes he ever bought her were calk boots, so she could set tongs faster when working the landing. During WW II, Jeevie was a riveter on Boeing's B - 29's. Her ability to set 'pin-curls' for the other girls was in such demand, other riveters would cover her work so she could set curls unhindered in the lady's room. Despite the draw of milking cows or setting chokers, Pauline eventually found her way to barber school. She barbered until her 90th birthday. She proudly shared she was the first female barber examiner in the state of Washington. Pauline excelled in the kitchen, sharing her love of baking and cooking with anyone within arm's reach. Equally adept in butchering chickens, digging clams, shooting geese, or foraging for morels, Pauline enjoyed life around a kitchen table. She loved travel, making trips to Europe, Central America, Alaska, Canada, and most of the 50 states. She is survived by sons Paul (Rainier, Oregon) and Jim (Sultan, WA and Boyd, TX), four granddaughters, five great granddaughters and a great grandson. Having outlived her family and her peers, there will just be a private memorial. Per Pauline's wishes, "Don't send cards or flowers, just have a shot of Jagermeister for me."