Dr. Harris E. Keel

Dr. Harris E. Keel, age 93, passed away on January 13, 2009.   He was born in Monroe, WI on October 19, 1915, son of Everett and Marie Keel.   He graduated from Monroe High School where he was active in sports and music.   He was an accomplished saxophone player and enjoyed big band music his whole life.   He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1940.   He taught aircraft mechanics at military school in Illinois and Texas before being appointed to Officers Candidate School.   After graduating from Officers Candidate School, he spent three years in the Pacific Theater of WWII.   He was based in Okinawa and Hawaii with the 7th Air Force.   He was discharged from active duty after five years and stayed in the reserves until he retired in 1975, as a Lieutenant Colonel, USAFR. As a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a dentist.   That dream was realized when he graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1951.   While in dental school, he met Ruth Snyder, a teacher in suburban Minneapolis.   They were married in August 1951, and moved to Madison in 1952 where he practiced until he retired in 1985.   He was active in the Zor Shrine where he was Potentate in 1979.   He served as President of the Wisconsin Dental Study Club in 1964 and was on the Board of Directors for several years.   He was a member of Zor Shrine, Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club West, Blackhawk Country Club, Dane County Dental Society, and Covenant Presbyterian Church.   Harris enjoyed many activitiesgolf, bowling, hunting and fishing.   He had a very full and active life and enjoyed his many friends.   He leaves his wife, Ruth, three sons, Greg, Bryce (Marge), and Stuart (Judy), and grandson Matthew.   Also two brothers John (Pat) of Marshfield and Tom (Marge) of Lake Mills, along with several nieces and nephews.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or HospiceCare, Inc.   Services will be at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd, on Sunday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m.   Visitation will be prior to the services from 12:00 -- 2:00 p.m. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service