William F. ("Bill") Keegan, 96, of Eau Claire, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018, and now joins in eternal life his loving wife of fifty-four years, Mary Jane (Lange) Keegan; his siblings, Mildred, Dorothy-Sister Conchessa OSB, John, Delores, Lloyd, Lucille; his parents, John and Cora; and many many relatives and friends after his 96 years of life. Bill was born on June 30, 1921, in Eau Claire and attended school at St. Patrick's Catholic Grade and High School in Eau Claire. On his 21st birthday, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to defend our country in WWII. He trained in the U.S., shipped out to England, and in July 1944, entered France through Omaha Beach. With the rank of Staff Sergeant, he served with his unit through France, Belgium, and Germany until the end of the war in Europe. His military service commendations included the European Campaign with three stars, Soviet Union WW II Medal, Army of Occupation, Pistol Expert, Rifle Marksman, and Good Conduct Medal. Upon leaving the service, he married Mary Jane Lange on September 12, 1945. Through the next forty years, along with his dad and brother, John, he owned/operated Keegan's Drapery Store, a business known for impeccable craftsmanship and customer service by providing custom window treatments, flooring, and upholstery service to customers in the Chippewa Valley. Bill fathered two sons, Patrick and Steven, two of the most blessed men on earth to have him as a dad. He was, and is truly loved by his two daughters-in-law, Catherine (Patrick) and Deborah (Steven); his four grand children, Rian Keegan, Kristen (Jay) Nadeau, Colleen (Michael) Knudson, Karen Keegan (Layne Knutson); and his two great grandchildren, Jacob and Kiera Nadeau. Bill lived his life based on an unshakable belief in Our Lord, and practiced his faith daily. Always giving of his time, whether through daily prayer and Mass attendance, he also volunteered his service to many organizations including St. Patrick's and Sacred Heart Parishes, parish choir, numerous committees, adult acolyte, 75 year honorary life membership in the Knights of Columbus, Feed My People Food Bank, Step Force and Transport at both Luther and Sacred Heart Hospitals, a multi gallon blood donor to the Red Cross, VFW, Eau Claire Male Chorus, St. Francis Food Pantry, and Eau Claire Art League treasurer and secretary for many years. Bill was known as being extremely good natured, and slow to anger, with a good sense of humor. He was a fair to middling tenor, and enjoyed upland bird hunting, camping, fishing, a good joke, and cooking over the grill with a cocktail in hand. Locally he was known as an excellent artist in pen, acrylic, and oils, often using driftwood, rock, and other unusual media as the canvas to display his work. He attended many area art shows, displaying and selling his work for many many years. Bill led a full life, dedicated to Almighty God, his family, and service to others. Special thanks to Dad's many life time friends, the staff at Dove Health Care West, and his wonderful primary care physician, Dr. Peter Halverson. Our everlasting thanks for being a wonderful father, grand father, great grandfather, mentor, and friend. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2018, at St. James the Greater Church, 2502 11th St, Eau Claire, with Father Tom Krieg officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the WEST CHAPEL location of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home on Thursday, February 15, 2018, with a family and friend remembrance time beginning at 6 p.m. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will follow Mass at Sacred Heart Cemetery on Omaha Street, Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery Omaha Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Thursday, February 15 2018 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn West Chapel 1405 N. Clairemont Ave Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Friday, February 16 2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass

Friday, February 16 2018 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Graveside Service

Friday, February 16 2018 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery