Patrick Keleher
Patrick William Keleher, 77, passed away Friday, February 19, 2016, at Central Community Hospital in Elkader. Pat was born October 3, 1938, in Elkader, to Leo and Lucy Keleher. He remained a devoted Catholic throughout his life. Pat graduated from the Elkader High School in 1957 and started working for a local contractor.
In 1961, he married, his sweetheart, Joanne Havlicek, of Monona. That same year he went to work for Costigan Construction. After a short time they moved to the family farm where they lived for many years.
In 1963, he joined the Elkader Jaycees and was an active member holding many offices. He was one of the original founders of Elkader Sweet Corn Days and with best friend, Pat Finley, organized the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade beginning in 1992.
Throughout his life he was a loyal Democrat. In the ‘70s he was involved with the Little League program. In 1978, Pat joined the Elkader Lions Club where he became a District Governor, in 1991-1992. He was elected to attend the National Lions Convention held in Australia and was very proud to have been a member of the Lions.
Pat stayed active in local community organizations such as; Boardman Township Trustee, Central Community Hospital Board and Hospital Foundation Board, an officer with the local Chapter of RISE, and a board member of the Clayton County ASCS. He also belonged to the Clayton County Cattleman’s, Clayton County Pork Producers and worked with the Central Elkader Athletic Boosters.
In 1988, Pat and Tom Diers started “Tiny Boys Toys,” and enjoyed touring the Midwest, selling and buying farm toys. After Tom’s passing, Pat’s wife, Joanne, joined him in all his travels and formed Pat’s Toys Warehouse. They retired in 2010.
After retirement they moved into Elkader and truly enjoyed the “town” living.
Pat is survived by the love of his life, Joanne; two sons: Tom (Teri), grandsons Conner and Maxwell, granddaughter Paxtyn, all of Monticello; Jerry (special friend, Melanie Schneider), granddaughter Madeline Kerr (Chris) of Bloomington, MN and grandson, Jack of Mt. Vernon. Also surviving are sister, Joan Kiefer (Dean) of Cedar Rapids, sister-in-law, Helen Meyer, Monona, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Julie.
We know his Irish eyes are smiling down on us and he is in heaven with his family and his best friend, Pat Finley. We can just hear the hearty belly laughs now. As his grandson Conner would say, he is now a “free bird”.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Pat’s memory to Central Community Foundation Board or Elkader Public Library.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader. Celebrant was Rev. Paul R. Peters. Inurnment was St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader, Iowa. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2016, at Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader and one hour before Mass time at the church on Saturday.
Leonard Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.leonardfuneralhomes.com.
