Gerald Keen

Gerald (Pat) G. Keen passed away peacefully on November 5, 2011 at Oak Park Care Center in Middleton. He was born at home to George and Maude (Kammerer) Keen on March 17, 1932, the youngest of six children in rural Juda, Wisconsin. Because he was born on St. Patrick's Day, he was lovingly nicknamed "Pat" by his family. Jerry grew up on the family farm, and shared a rich life with his four brothers and one sister.

Jerry attended Union Free High School in Juda, Wisconsin, where he played basketball and was involved in forensics and debate. He graduated in 1950 as the class valedictorian. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, due to his father's health problems, Jerry left the UW to return to the farm. While at the UW, Jerry met Elinor Sherwood whom he later married in Gays Mills, Wisconsin, on June 26, 1954, Together they raised three sons, William Gerald, Lawrence Sherwood and Gary Allen. On December 31, 1967, the family moved to Madison so that Jerry could finish his college degree from the UW where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and then a Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance. He was employed by Verona Schools as an elementary guidance counselor from 1970 until his retirement in 1997. There he used magic tricks to help teach his guidance lessons. He was also known for his huge bear hugs given freely to any and all who needed some kindness.

During their 53 years together, Jerry and Elinor shared many hobbies, including genealogy and traveling. They enjoyed participating in counselor workshops all over the country, and they traveled to Europe, especially to Germany, many times. Jerry served in many civic organizations, including as secretary for the Decatur Township School Board, secretary for the Decatur Cheese Factory, a volunteer fund raiser for St. Clare's Hospital in Monroe, and as a choir member at Divine Savior Methodist Church in Madison. He was also a member of the Houdini Club and in his later years took swimming, organ and computer classes.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Elinor, his parents Maude and George, his brothers, Arkell, Roger, Dwight, and Kenneth, and his sisters, Cathy Keyes, and Vivian who died in infancy. He is survived by his sons and their wives, Bill and Lisa, Larry and Clare, and Gary and Cheri, as well as his four beloved granddaughters, Chelsey, Renee, Jenny, and Amanda. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, Erma Keen and Doris Keen, Elinor's brothers and their wives, Don and Gerry Sherwood, and Dave and Noralee Sherwood, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Divine Savior United Methodist Church, 5702 South Hill Drive in Madison, on Friday, November 11 at 11a.m. Friends may call at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. The family would like to thank Dr. Lawrence Ozers, the staff at Oak Park and Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care.