Joseph H. Keeler

Joseph “Joe” Henry Keeler, 84, of Springfield, Mass passed away on March 20, 2020. Born March 17, 1936 to Mildred Jewell Keeler (Partridge) and Howard Matthew Keeler in Holyoke, Mass who preceded him in death. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Howard and is survived by his younger brother Alan of Holyoke, Mass.

Joe was a devoted family man. He worked hard as a truck driver for Friendly Ice Cream for over 30 years before retiring in 1998. Back in the day he was an avid golfer and truly loved the game. He was also an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan. He met his wife Louise in 1968 at Riverdale Bowling Lanes and spent many years enjoying bowling. He adored his wife Louise and spent many years together camping in their motorhome. He was a proud man and was proud of his home which he enjoyed so much. He used to love to sit on the back deck and read his newspaper. He was a veteran of the US Army and a proud member of Pioneer Valley Chapter 8 Camping Association.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Louise Mary Keeler (Sarnacki) of Springfield, Mass; his daughter Kathy Eckols and her husband Steve of Illinois; his son Rick Scott of Colorado; his grandson Joseph R. Keeler of Springfield and his granddaughters Jennifer Nelson, Christina Scott and Donyale Rogers, and many more friends and family who loved him, his wonderful sense of humor and all his corny jokes. He will forever remain in our hearts.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, funeral services for Joe will be held privately for the family. To express online condolences, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

Thank you to the Massachusetts Army Funeral Honors detail for providing military honors for Joel and to Reverend  Karen Safstrom of Christ the King-Epiphany Church in Wilbraham for the prayers offered. For those who were unable to attend, videos of the military honors and prayer service are below.

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