Phillip Keeley Obituary

PHILLIP JOHN KEELEY, age 85, lifelong resident of Waseca, died on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at his home. 

Born on November 23, 1938, in Waseca, he was the son of Joseph and Mary (Glynn) Keeley. Phillip grew up on a farm in rural Janesville and received his education at Janesville Public School and at the University of Minnesota Institute of Agriculture in Waseca. On July 28, 1956, Phillip was united in marriage to Shirley Ketchum at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. Together they made their home in Waseca while raising their three children. 

Following his education, Phillip began a long career with the University of Minnesota Experiment Station in Waseca. In 1983, he founded Waseca Quality Siding which he owned and operated for 20 years. In 2003, Phillip fully retired to focus on what was really important to him, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed his classic cars. He could often be found on Saturday morning enjoying a cup of coffee with his friends at Ace Hardware. Phillip was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. 

Phillip is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Shirley of Waseca; children: Randy (Beverly) Keeley of Lakeville, Patty (Steve Lambert) Keeley of Faribault, and Thomas (Nancy) Keeley of Jordan; grandchildren: Marissa Keeley (fiancé, Brandon Eigner), Brandon Keeley, Christina (Jesse) Simon, Nicole (Jason) Simon, Phillip Fritz (Nikki Davis), Brittany Keeley and Katlyn Keeley; seven great grandchildren; siblings: Joe (Ruth) Keeley of St. Peter, and Mary Branson of Carmel, CA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Dennis, Eugene (Betty), and James (Mary); sisters: Dorothy Keeley as an infant and Noreen (Dick) Bartelt; brother-in-law, Ron Branson. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 PM on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca with Fr. Glenn Frerichs as Celebrant. Interment will be at Woodville Cemetery following the service. Visitation will begin at 11:30 am and continue until the time of the service at church on Monday.