Obituary for Marion Keenan

Marion Keenan died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of April 21, 2011, exactly one month before her 94th birthday. She was born on May 21, 1917, in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Thomas J. and Elizabeth Buggy Keenan. The youngest girl in a family of 5 children, she was the last remaining grandchild of Patrick Keenan and his wife Catherine Scanlon Keenan. Patrick was one of the first settlers of Allamakee County and he enjoyed a reputation for fairness and honesty in dealing with the Indians as well as other settlers. As a mediator for many conflicts between whites and Indian, his word was his bond. He left a legacy of tolerance and integrity which became the legacy of his grandchildren, as well; Marion was a wonderful example of that honesty, patience, and candor. Marion was baptized Mary Ann Keenan but over the years the names got run together, and she was called Marion. She graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Waukon and attended Waukon Junior College for 2 yrs. She lived in Waukon all her life, spending many years at Waukon Lumber Company, and later retiring as bookkeeper at the county auditor’s office at the Allamakee County Court House. She donated many, many years of her talent as bookkeeper for St. Patrick’s Church and School. Baptized and confirmed there, she was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s parish, and much of her life was centered around the church. Marion was a gentle woman who enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family and friends. She was a gifted pianist with a passionate, lifelong love of music. Liked and respected wherever she worked, the people at Waukon Assisted Living, and later at Thornton Manor in Lansing, grew to love her as well. Quiet and dignified, but gifted with a subtle sense of humor and exceptional intelligence, she was a voracious reader and was always knowledgeable (and held strong opinions) about current events. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mrs. Walter (Margaretta) Keenan, nieces Catherine (Tina) Keenan and Louise Keenan of La Crosse, WI, John (Pat) Keenan and Mary Ellen Mohn of Lansing, IA; Denise (Jerry Lee Kaster) Keenan of Milwaukee; Kevin (Maria) Keenan and Tim Keenan of Grand Junction, CO; Alene Keenan of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Patricia Keenan of Alexandria, VA and Paula Keenan of Cedar Rapids, IA, as well as 14 great nieces and nephews and 14 great-great nieces and nephews. Marion was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Margaret Keenan, and brothers Richard, Ralph and Walter Keenan, sister-in-law Barbara Keenan, a niece Andrea Keenan, a great niece Jessica Mohn Hogendorn and a great nephew Aaron Mohn. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 27 at St. Patrick’s Church in Waukon, IA with Father Joseph Schneider officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives from 9:30 until mass begins at the church.