Roger Dale Keepers

Roger Dale Keepers, age 89, passed away peacefully after a short illness on May 16, 2025, at Horizon Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon, Wisconsin.
Roger was born on February 26, 1936, in Waukon, Iowa, to Helen (née Klees) and Arthur Keepers. On August 12, 1961, he married the love of his life, Lela (née Jones) Keepers, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.
Roger dedicated his life to service, education, and faith. He was a YMCA Director and served as a Physical Education and Science teacher in the Wauwatosa School District for 36 years. A lifelong lover of swimming, he also coached countless students over the years. In 1968, he founded Rodak Kennels, where he bred Basenjis and German Shepherds and trained over 300 breeds of dogs for over five decades.
Roger and Lela shared a passion for music, singing with the Hartford Community Choir for nearly 20 years. He was an accomplished guitar and mandolin player and continued to share his musical talents up until just weeks before his passing, performing for fellow residents at his assisted living home.
Roger's life was grounded in his faith. He actively served in his church, was a committed member of the Gideons International for over 50 years and lived out his devotion to Christ in everything he did. One of his legacies are the dozens of scripture songs he composed and performed for whoever would listen.
He is survived by his six children: Kim Keepers of Jacksonville, FL; Kara Keepers of Forney, TX; Kyle (Theresa) Keepers of Hartford, WI; Kirk (Cynthia) Keepers of Madison, AL; Kristin (Michael) Boock of Corvallis, OR; and Kevin (Shannon) Keepers of Sussex, WI. Roger was a devoted grandfather to 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Love; and sisters-in-law Charlene Liesveld and Linda Jones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Arthur Keepers; his beloved wife, Lela Margaret Keepers; and brothers-in-law John Love Jr. and Leslie Jones.
A celebration of Roger's life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Shimon Funeral Home in Hartford, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited to gather beginning at 10:00 a.m., with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hartford immediately after the service, followed by a luncheon at Shimon Funeral Home.
Roger's legacy of faith, music, service, and love lives on in the many lives he touched.