Robert D. Keppen

1937 - 2026

Palmyra, WI - Robert "Bob" David Keppen, 88, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026. Bob was born on August 9, 1937, near Eagle, WI, to Walter and Lena (Kober) Keppen. He was the youngest of seven children.

Bob grew up in the Eagle and Palmyra area, where he attended school and graduated from Palmyra High School in 1955. He met Deloris Race of Oconomowoc, and they were married in June 1959. After farming with his father during his youth, Bob and Deloris purchased their own family farm just north of Palmyra, where they spent 66 years together. Bob was a dedicated dairy farmer for 40 of those years.

An outdoorsman at heart, Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being a handyman. He took great pride in tending to his lawn and found joy in the simple things. Bob and Deloris loved attending car shows in their '56 Mercury and were active members of the Kettle Moraine Car Club, where they forged many lasting friendships. He was also a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Rome, WI.

Bob is survived by his wife, Deloris; his son, Scott (Theresa) Keppen; two daughters, Kristi (Patrick) Berlick and Wendy Keppen; two grandchildren, Shane Berlick and Kaci Keppen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Harold, Donald, and Gerald; three sisters, Grace Sylvester, Dorothy Brigdon, and Betty Baker; and his beloved German Shepherd, Chip, and cat, OJ.

A visitation will be held on Saturday morning, February 7th, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Luke's Lutheran Church (Rome) W1956 Main St. Sullivan WI 53178. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at St. Luke's Church with Pastor Marilyn Lange presiding. Lunch will be served after the service. Burial will take place at St. Luke's Cemetery in Rome.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, the special nurses and volunteers at Angels Grace Hospice, Oconomowoc, WI, and the ADRC for their assistance with transport to his dialysis appointments.

Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

Memorials In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to:

- St. Luke's Lutheran Church (Rome, WI)

- AngelsGrace Hospice, Oconomowoc, WI

- Jefferson County Humane Society