Roger Steven Keetle, 69, of Lincoln passed away on October 20, 2016, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous 14-month battle against brain cancer. He was born on January 4, 1947, to Glenn and Alice (Kellogg) Keetle of Ashland. He graduated from Ashland High School, UN-L, and the Nebraska College of Law. While in college and law school he was in Corn Cobs, President of Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity, Army ROTC, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, and many other activities.
Roger started his legal career at the Gage Law Firm in Kansas City, then became General Council at the Nebraska Department of Insurance. He spent the majority of his working career as Vice President of Advocacy at the Nebraska Hospital Association. Rather than retire, Roger chose to join his adult kids in the legislative arena, and spent ten years working as a legislative aide for three state senators. The whole family enjoyed not only living near each other, but also the opportunity to see each other daily at work.
He was a member of the Nebraska Bar Association, Christ Lutheran Church, Nebraska Corvette Association, Nebraska Literary Heritage Association, and volunteered at the Nebraska State Historical Society and the Museum of American Speed. He was formerly President of the Nebraska Society of Association Executives, Chairman of the Redeemer Lutheran Church congregation, as well as a member of the Missouri Bar Association, and the American Health Lawyers Association.
Roger married Judy Allen Keetle on December 14, 1968, in Lincoln. They had three children. A devoted and loving husband and father, his days were filled with his kids’ and grandkids’ activities, working in the yard, home improvement projects, family vacations, corvette trips and car shows, biking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. At work and at home he exemplified honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
Survivors include his wife Judy; son Steven (Amy), Omaha; daughter Anne (Mike) Fargen, Lincoln; grandchildren Mya and Sophia Keetle, Omaha; Padraig and Finley Fargen, Lincoln; sister Elizabeth Meehan, Lincoln; brother Roland (Doris) Keetle, Ralston; mother-in-law Marie Allen, Lincoln; sister-in-law Marcilee (Mark) Hergenrader; many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law Harlan Allen; and son Christopher.
MEMORIALS: Christ Lutheran Church or University of Nebraska Foundation, UNMC Cancer Research (glioblastoma).
Visitation at Roper and Sons, Tuesday, October 25, 6:00-8:00 PM.
Celebration of Life service, Christ Lutheran Church, 43rd & Sumner, Wednesday, October 26, 11:30.