Joe H. Keim will be remembered as someone who never slowed down in his later years - partly because he never went anywhere very fast. But, he always had a destination and he always had one more thing he had to get done. But his destinations and his chores never got in the way of taking time for anyone: family, neighbors, and friends. And, for Joe Keim, a stranger was simply a friend he didn't know yet.
Joe Keim died Jan. 29, 2021, on his farm near Davenport, Neb., at the age of 85. He had morning coffee with friends, got a haircut, drove a friend home from the hospital. His final moments were on his tractor - where he often felt most at home.
Joe Keim was born at home on another farm near Davenport to John and Mildred (Marshall) Keim on Nov. 19, 1935. When his grandfather Henry Keim died in 1941, his parents moved the family to the farm just west of Davenport on Highway 4. Joe was five, and the house and farm would be his home for the next 80 years.
Joe attended a one-room schoolhouse, the Ranch Country School until
seventh grade when it closed. This meant he didn't have to take the 8th-grade exams in Nelson like his older sister. Instead, he started eighth grade at Davenport Community School in 1947 and graduated Davenport High School in 1953.
During the winter months, when farm work was slower, he attended the
Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, Neb. However, his father's failing health meant he found himself using more time taking care of the farm.
Joe met Georgia Lou Bice of Carelton, Neb., while in high school. He said she was "Really a good looking gal." She stole his heart and they
married on Nov. 25, 1956, moving into his parents' home on the farm as they moved into a place in town.
Their four children, David, Kathy, James, and Patricia were the focus of
many of his activities when he wasn't farming.
His commitments included serving as a member and a few years as president of the Davenport School Board. He was also a member of the Davenport Lions Club and an active member of the Davenport United Methodist Church. Joe described himself as man who "never did much." But family, neighbors, and friends will remember him as someone who did almost everything -- if there was anything or anyone who needed help.
His greatest joy was time with his grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and children of nieces, nephews and neighbors that he loved like grandchildren.
Perhaps his only regret was not having more time to see them all grow
into the kind and caring adults he knows they will be.
Joe is survived by his son, David Keim, wife, Janice (Nunnenkamp) Keim, granddaughter, Dona Keim, and great-granddaughter, Briella Keim of Sutton; his daughter, Kathy Keim of Bartlesville, Okla.; his son, James Keim, wife, Christi (Ehresman) Keim, and grandchildren, Mason and Ava Keim of Lincoln, Neb.; his daughter, Trish (Keim) Thorell, husband, Mike Thorell, and twin granddaughters, Elin and Olivia Thorell of Omaha, Neb.; his
sisters, Margaret Keim of Lincoln and Betty Keim of Yonkers, N.Y.; and his sister-in-law, Helen Garrels and husband, Dennis Garrels, of Grand Island.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia Keim; his parents, John
and Mildred (Marshall) Keim; and his sister, Nancy (Keim) Sanburg and Ron
Sanburg of Kansas City.
His funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 at the Davenport United Methodist Church. The service will be recorded and possibilities for a livestream are being explored. Out of respect for Joe's wishes, the family requests family and close friends who attend to observe social distancing guidelines and wear masks. Extended viewing times will be available on Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home in Davenport and again on Friday morning before the funeral for those who wish to avoid contact at the funeral.
Memorial gifts will be designated later in honor of Joe and Georgia Keim
to benefit the Davenport community as they had a long list of things they enjoyed supporting.
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