Eugene P Keeley

Eugene (Red) Peter Keeley, 77, passed away on March 30, 2018 at his beloved farm outside of Grafton. It is only fitting that Eugene joined His Heavenly Father on Good Friday-a special day for a truly special man. Eugene was born May 17, 1940 the youngest of 6 children born to Mark and Sadie (Ruddy) Keeley. He attended Martin Township School, a one room school house through eighth grade, and then attended Agricultural School in Crookston. Eugene married Judy Elshaug on August 1, 1960. The couple first lived in Grafton, where they had 3 children, then moved to a farm north of Grafton, just 1/2 a mile from where Gene grew up. Gene farmed for 60 years and raised sugar beets, potatoes, corn, wheat and beans. Gene was a member of American Crystal Sugar Co-op. He was a board member of Grafton Farmer’s Elevator and served as Martin Township Supervisor for many years.

Gene lived a life to be proud of. He worked hard, made many friends and cherished his family more than anything. He was proud to be Irish and proud to be Catholic. Gene loved to look down the gravel road and see the barn built decades before by his father. Gene’s kindness and sense of humor made him the star attraction at all family gatherings. He enjoyed time spent at his cabin on Lake Bronson where he boated and taught his children and grandchildren to swim. He loved to drive around looking at his fields, cruise through implement dealerships, or play a few rounds of rummy. He enjoyed western movies, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash, corn hotdish, and late night phone calls to tell silly jokes or ask trivia questions. Gene was never afraid to show affection, often kissing, hugging, and complimenting others. He was a man of good character. He took great interest in the lives of others and was eager to know the latest news. He loved deeply and was loved in return.

Eugene is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Robin (Brad) Suda and Kristy Keeley, and son John Keeley, Grandchildren Sara Suda, Danny(Savannah) Suda, Adam Suda, Sam Keeley, Joshua Keeley, and Katharyn Keeley and Great Grandchildren Riley, Gabby, and Brody Suda as well many other relatives and friends. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents and Bernard Keeley, Thomas Keeley, Eileen Jones, Frances Bruce, and Raymond Keeley.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 6, 2018 at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at St. John’s Catholic Church. Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Grafton, ND in the spring.