Liz Keepers

Elizabeth Ann Keepers was born May 15, 1934, in Marshall, Minnesota, to Odell and Lillian (Rogen) Halverson. She was the eldest of three children, the mother of four, and the wife of a devoted husband. Liz was a true Norwegian: unsentimental, uncomplaining, hard-working, and always faithful.  

In 1952, Liz was working as a roller-skating carhop at Stu’s Drive-In in Marshall, where she met Don Keepers. They were married in 1953, after Liz had graduated from nursing school. They lived first in Minneapolis, where their son Kevin was born. During Don’s time in the U.S. Army they moved to El Paso, Texas, where they had their first daughter, Deanne. Lisa and Doreen were born in Hector, Minnesota, where the family lived for 10 years. Her home in Hector would always be special to Liz; it was a home built just for them, where they made many life-long friends. While raising her children, she also worked as an LPN at a nursing home in Buffalo Lake. 

They moved to Mankato in 1969, where Don continued working for the Minnesota State Patrol and where they grew their business, Keepers RV Center. Liz kept the books, managed the inventory, and never forgot a face or a story. 

After Liz & Don retired, they spent their winters at Valle Del Oro in Mesa, Arizona. There they treasured the sunshine, and their many friends, and their motorcycle rides in the Superstition Mountains. They were always up for adventure and new experiences, enjoying camping trips, cruises and tours, from Norway to Brazil to Hawaii. Their legacy to their family includes a well-loved little cabin and countless beautiful memories on Lake Belle Taine in northern Minnesota. 

Her seven grandchildren loved to be with her. When they were young she was an ever-patient, ever-cheerful grandma, offering sugary raspberries and Schwan’s popsicles. When they were grown, her generous and optimistic spirit was always a comfort to them, as it was to all the dear friends she made and kept over her lifetime. She was selfless to a fault. She made every meal a celebration. She could talk to anyone, and will be remembered and missed for her way of making everyone feel at ease, and like everything will be all right.

Liz died peacefully in her home on August 20, under the gentle and constant care of her youngest daughter, Doreen—a gift for which her family will be forever grateful. 

Liz is survived by her son, Kevin Keepers of Lahaina, Hawaii, and daughters Dee Keepers (Kurt Bohnen) of Lakeville, Lisa May (Jack) of Mankato, and Doreen Keepers of Mankato. Beloved grandchildren Emily Simon (Brian), their children Charlie and Elizabeth; Kathleen May; Bill Fischer, his children Carter and Chloe; Michelle May (Chris Larson), their children Arthur and Frances; Colleen Depuydt (Russell), their children Oliver, George and Laurence; Rebecca Hutchens (Lee), their children Hannah and Henry. Also survived by her brother Harold Halverson and sister-in-law Susan Halverson.

She was preceded in death by Don, her husband and companion of nearly 70 years. Also her parents, brother Dennis Halverson, sisters-in-law Neva Keepers Corrington and Joan Halverson, brother-in-law Roger Keepers, and her precious grandchildren Thomas May and Laura (Rengstorf) Fischer.

Funeral service will be held August 24 at 3:00pm at Christ the King Lutheran Church, where Liz was a loyal member for over 50 years. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church. The service will be livestreamed and available on Liz’s obituary page at www.mankatomortuary.com. Memorials may be sent to Kiwanis Holiday Lights or Christ the King.

 

 

 

The live stream link below is a complimentary service

provided by Mankato Mortuary.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.