Richard John Keilen, 81

Richard John Keilen was born November 24, 1930, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Michael and Mary (Tix) Keilen.   He was raised on the family farm and was baptized and confirmed at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.  He attended country school and graduated from Faribault High School in 1948.  Following his education he worked as a carpenter in the Northfield Area.  He married Loretta Moravec on September 29, 1962, at the Church of St. Dominic.  Over the years Richard worked for many area contractors until forming his own company “Richard Keilen Construction” in the early 1970's.  He retired in 1997.

Richard was a member of the Church of St. Dominic and a former member of the Northfield Eagle’s Club.  He enjoyed gardening, singing and being a carpenter.  He was hardworking, kind and loved being with his family and his dog Sophie.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Loretta; 3 children: Mark and wife Brenda of Northfield, Mary and friend David Howells of Eden Prairie, Michael and wife Sara of Minnetrista; 3 grandchildren: Mady, Joshua and Jacob; his brother-in-law, Milton (Valora) Moravec of Northfield;  his sisters-in-law, Donna Rezac of Dundas, Rita (Bob) Lamphier of Northfield; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Regina Giefer and Bernice Piper, and his brothers Dan, Ralph and Ray (in-infancy).

Following a brief illness, Richard passed away Monday afternoon, July 2, 2012, at Reflections Care Suites on the Three Links Campus in Northfield, at the age of 81.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00AM Friday, July 6, 2012, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield with Fr. Dennis Dempsey officiating.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Northfield.  Casket bearers will be Maynard Bolton, Jacob Keilen, Joshua Keilen, Mady Keilen, Kenny Moravec, Jim Piper, David Rezac and Steve Schoenbauer.  Visitation will be 4-7PM Thursday, July 5, 2012, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield.  Visitation will continue at the church on Friday one hour prior to the funeral.
                                    
Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.  www.northfieldfuneral.com