Donald Keilen 07/29/2024

Donald Edward Keilen, age 83, peacefully passed away, surrounded by his family, at the Deerfield in New Richmond, Wisconsin, on Monday, July 29, 2024.

Don was born on September 16, 1940, to Gerhard and Mary Alice (Parkos) Keilen in Faribault, Minnesota.  He was a 1958 graduate of Cannon Falls High School.  After graduation, he moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin and farmed with his family. He also worked at a local car dealership before finding his lifelong career of operating heavy machinery.  Don’s specialty became operating cranes where he worked alongside his brother-in-law, and dear friend, Phip LaVenture for 44 years at LaVenture Crane and Rigging.  Don was very well known in the area for his crane operating skills, his professionalism and humor. He worked his entire career in heavy equipment without a single accident.

Don married Elinor LaVenture in 1961 and together they built their home near Deer Park, Wisconsin where they raised their four boys until her passing in 1985.  Don was blessed to find love again, and in 1987, he married Cindy Fall and adopted her daughter, Tamara.

Don was always improving things around the hobby farm where he and Cindy raised his beloved sheep.  They also owned and operated Keilen Tree Farm.  Don kept busy in retirement with camping, fishing, cutting wood, and even taking trips to Canada and Alaska.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and involving them in outdoor activities. His friends and neighbors were a very important part of his life and meant the world to him.

His faith was deep rooted from childhood and carried him through the hardest times of his life.  Don’s selflessness, sharp wit and keen sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew him.  Above all, Don’s love for his family was evident in how he lived his life.

Don leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Cindy (Fall) Keilen; sons, Michael Keilen, Patrick Keilen, Daniel Keilen (Julie), Steven Keilen (Trisha); daughter, Tamara Heutmaker; grandchildren, Lynnette Keilen, Jaclyn Keilen, Brooke Hoffman (Louie), Ellie Keilen (Ben Shilts), Parker Keilen and Hannah Keilen; siblings, Gerhard Keilen Jr.  (Mary Jane), Thomas Keilen, Paul Keilen (Mike Kunzer), Bonnie Schulze (Steve), JoAnne McCown, and Katie Kujawa (Tom); brothers in law, Greg Holmquist, Paul Haviland, Doug Fall (Diane), Bruce Fall, Joseph LaVenture (Colleen), Edward LaVenture (Lynn), Patrick LaVenture and Martin LaVenture (Colby); sisters in law, Debby Hansen, Linette Brown (Pat), Karen Fall, Pat LaVenture, Cathy LaVenture and Julie Begich (Steven); along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Don is preceded in death by his wife, Elinor A. (LaVenture) Keilen; parents, Gerhard and Mary Alice (Parkos) Keilen; siblings, Robert Keilen, Margaret Haviland and Susanne Holmquist; brothers in law, Greg Fall, Steve Fall, Philip M. LaVenture, Craig Hansen and Joe McCown; sisters in law, Susan Johnson (Charlie), Jeanette Keilen and Louise Mayes.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:00AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (151 S Washington Ave) New Richmond, Wisconsin with visitation beginning at 9:30AM.

Arrangements are with Bakken- Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch a recording of Don’s service.