Harold Keil

Harold F. Keil died peacefully at his home Sunday, joining his wife Wylma of 67 years.

Harold F. Keil was born November 7, 1919 in Grand Forks ND. He is the son of Gustaf and Ottila Keil. He moved to Minneapolis, MN in 1931 where he attended Emerson Elementary School. In October of 1940 he entered the US Army. He was stationed at Ft. Mead, SD in the Cav/Mechanized Regiment. While assigned to Ft. Mead he met and married Wylma Zacek in July 31,1942. They had four children.

He was transferred to Ft. Gordon, GA. He served in the European Theater in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. Following WWII he returned to the Nebraska in August of 1945. For a time he and Wylma farmed near Clarkson, NE. Throughout his life he held numerous employment positions. He was an OTR driver for Behlen Mfg. for 3 years. He also worked at CCC Plate Campus for 15 years until his retirement . He and Wylma operated a restaurant at the US 30 Mall and the Pawnee Chief Restaurant. The last 30 years they owned and opened the Green Lantern.

From 1953 to 1973 Harold served in the Nebraska National Guard. He was assigned to Company "C", 134 Inf, 1st Battalion, Columbus, NE. During
1967 and 1968 he served in Vietnam. Summer encampments were in Ft. Carson, CO and Camp Ripley, MN. During his military service he received several campaign medals, including the Bronze Star for actions during WW II and Vietnam. He retired from the US Army in 1973 as a Master Sergeant (E-8).

Harold was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and the DAV.

Survivors include his daughter Judy (Don) Meays of Columbus; Cindy (Gary) Hiermeier of Columbus; Kathy (John) Klug of Indio, CA.; and a son Jay (Michelle) Keil of Houston, TX. 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter

He was preceded in death by his wife: Wylma, parents Gustaf and Ottila; 3 brothers; 4 sisters; and a grandson: Aron Hiermeier.