John Leo Keenan
Leo Keenan, age 88, of McGregor, passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Great River Care Center in McGregor.
John Leo Keenan was born Oct. 19, 1936, to Matthew and Marcella (Hennessy) Keenan in Allamakee County, one of eight children born to this union. He graduated with the class of 1956 from Waukon High School.
Shortly after graduation, Leo met Kathleen Manton on a blind date when they attended a Waukon versus Lansing basketball game together. They were united in marriage on Oct. 19, 1959, and celebrated 65 years together last fall. To this union, nine children were born. Leo worked as a farm hand for many years throughout Allamakee and Clayton counties, and later retired from 3M in Prairie du Chien, Wis., after 30 years. In their younger days, he and Kathleen spent their time visiting nearby family members, playing card games like euchre, going to wrestling matches and dancing. Leo especially enjoyed listening to country and Irish music, and even took up the guitar in his later years. After retiring, he spent his time refinishing furniture, gardening and serving as eucharistic minister at his church. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and could often be found walking around town with Kathleen or sitting on their front porch, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. A devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs, he also found joy in watching western TV shows and playing along with the Wheel of Fortune. Above all, Leo cherished the time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories that will be treasured by all.
Surviving Leo are his wife, Kathleen, of McGregor; his children, Janelle (David) Pruhs of Milwaukee, Wis., Bil (Lisa) Keenan of Monticello, Minn., Jane (Mel) Turner of Milwaukee, Wis., Brian (Anne) Keenan of St. Paul, Minn., Linda (Tim) Koenig of St Paul, Minn., Barbara Keenan of St. Paul, Minn., and Deb (Jaymie) Gruis of Little Canada, Minn.; 15 grandchildren, Madeline, Simon, Sebastian, Nate, Leo, Emily, Lily, Finn, Gus, Vincent, Elsie, Cara, Eddie, Bridget and Johnnie; his sister, Margaret O’Donnell of Elma; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Preceding Leo in death were his parents, Matthew and Marcella Keenan; sons, Ronald and Richard (Dick); siblings, Dorothy, Pat, Rita, James and Albert and his twin brother, Lawrence.
A Mass of Christian Burial with a visitation was held on April 14, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McGregor, with Rev. Martin Coolidge as the celebrant. A private family burial will follow later at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waukon.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the McGregor Public Library, honoring Leo’s commitment to his faith and community.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of McGregor is assisting the family with services.
