Patricia Keenan
Patricia Marie (Smith) Keenan, 71, of Lansing passed away peacefully in her home August 10, 2020. Due to restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family graveside service was held at Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing.
Patty was born January 27, 1949 at Waukon to Robert “Bud” and Irene (Hirth) Smith. She graduated from St. George High School in 1967 and was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Lansing. She married John T. Keenan September 11, 1971 and they lived in Lansing all their lives together.
She worked for Northern Engraving Corp. in a supervisory position for many years. After the plant closed, Patty kept busy caring for her family, maintaining her immaculate house and a yard where every flower was perfect and no weed dared invade. She walked her dog, Sophie, in all weather. She could be seen taking Sophie for drives every day for many years.
She was a loving mom, a devoted wife, adored by her grandchildren, and a friend to anyone who needed one. She is fondly remembered by all the kids who grew up in her house with her children, as well as their parents and all those who worked with her at Northern Engraving Corp. Patty was loyal, dependable, a great conversationalist and lots of fun. She helped those in need and did not ask for any thanks. Not only was she loved by her Smith family, but her Keenan family adored her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
After John died November 30, 2019, life was never the same for Patty. She is survived by her mother, Irene Smith; her children, William Keenan, Jody (Nathan) Allen and Brent (Jodie) Wurster; her grandchildren, Nick, Luke and Brad Wurster, and Amelia and Aaron Allen; her sisters, Jeanie Carroll, Mickey (Jerry) Seitz, Peggy (Bob) Larkin, Laurie (John) Rethwisch and Becky (Loren) Miller; and her brother, Robert Smith; as well as her sisters-in-law, Tina Keenan, Denise Keenan, Louise Keenan, Mary Ellen Mohn and Alene Keenan; her brothers-in-law, Kevin (Maria) Keenan and Tim Keenan; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Patty was preceded in death by her father, Robert “Bud” Smith; her husband, John T. Keenan; her father-in law, Walter F. Keenan; her mother-in-law, Margaretta Keenan; a sister-in-law, Andrea Keenan; a niece, Jessica Mohn Hogendorn; her nephews, Aaron Mohn, Jason Flanagan and Grant Saul; and her brothers-in-law, David Carroll, Donald Dotzler, Lenny Schnick and Thomas L. Mohn.
In spite of the pain she suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, she never complained. Lansing has lost a great lady. She is now reunited with her husband and her dog, Sophie, along with all the other loved ones who preceded her. Blessed be her memory.
Condolences may be directed to Jody Keenan Allen at 6040 Gholson Bridge Court, Manassas, VA 20112. Memorials in honor of Patty’s love of animals may be given to local animal shelters or to pet rescue shelters.
