Herbert G. Keeley Obituary
Herbert "Herb" Gene Keeley, 89, of Turner, Michigan, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on October 24, 2026, at Huron Woods Nursing Center in Kawkawlin, Michigan. Herb was born on October 19, 1937, in Melita, Michigan, to the late Norman and Lena (Southworth) Keeley. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1955. Immediately after graduation, Herb enlisted in the United States Army. He served as a Staff Sergeant from 1955 to 1958 and was stationed in both Japan and Korea. On February 14, 1959, Herb married the former Neva Kay Keltner.
Together they raised four children: Shirley, Joseph "Joe," Susan "Sue," and Charles "Chuck.". They built a life in Arenac County, Michigan, and recently celebrated 67 years of marriage. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Herb worked at Knight's Mill in Melita. The family then settled in Turner, where Herb and Neva ran a successful dairy farm for more than 40 years. Herb also served for many years as a volunteer fireman and school bus driver. He served multiple terms as Turner Township Supervisor, where he worked tirelessly on behalf of local residents.
Herb will be remembered for his boisterous personality (you could hear him for miles) and his devotion to his family. Every year he planted and harvested a garden that, despite the family's efforts to shrink it, kept spreading to new plots across the farm. He generously shared what he grew with family, friends, and the community. After retiring from dairy farming, Herb raised horses, and his favorite was his girl, Daisy. One of his most treasured possessions was a hand- painted picture of himself with Daisy.
Herb loved music and could often be found strumming his guitar and singing with family and friends. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Lena; his siblings Leslie "Les", Benjamin "Benny", and Ralph Keeley; sister-in-law, LaDonna Keeley; brothers-in-law, Robert "Bob" Fegan and Jerry Spencer; and nieces Lynn Ormsby, and Starli View. In addition to his wife, Herb is survived by his children Shirley Keeley, Joseph (Ann Brown) Keeley, Susan Betz, and Charles (Anna) Keeley; his grandchildren, Adam Yocom, DaNell (Jerry) Luptowski, Benjamin Keeley, Maggie Keeley, Jessica (Josh) Erb, Josh (Breanna) Betz, Rose Jeske, and Gabriel Keeley; three great-grandchildren, Damien Micol, David Erb, and Wesley Jeske; his sister Lila Fegan; sisters-in-law Patricia Spencer, Lee Ann Cole, Janie Cole.
Visitation with the family will be held November 20th, 2026, beginning at 10:30am immediately followed by a celebration of Herb's life at 11:00 am, Twining Baptist Church, 410 South Main Street, Twining, Michigan 48766, with a meal immediately following at the church. Arrangements are being handled by Lee Ramsay Funeral Home in Standish, Michigan. Memorials Memorial gifts in honor of Herb may be made directly to the family.
