Beryl Keen

Beryl Keen, 103, was called home by his Savior and Lord Friday afternoon, February 26. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at the Mitchell Family Funeral home with Pastor Alan Mullikin of the LeGrand Friends Church officiating. He will be laid to rest in the LeGrand Friends Cemetery. Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service. Memorial may be directed in his memory to Iowa River Hospice, The Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. For condolences, please visit www.mitchelfh.com . Phone 641-844-12364. Born on April 25, 1917, in Legrand at the family home, he was the son of and one of four children born to C.T. and Orma Keen. He received his education in LeGrand graduating in 1934. He was a graduate of Iowa State where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in April of 1942 where he served honorably during World War II until October of 1945. On December 3, 1943 he was united in marriage to high school classmate Esther Mahle at the LeGrand Friends Church while he was on leave from serving in WWII. He and Esther managed the family purebred swine farming operation for many years retiring in 1981.Beryl was an unapologetic Christian who brought more than one person to the Lord. He was a selfless man with an incredible work ethic who loved his family dearly. He and Esther sang and played at many weddings and funerals in the LeGrand area. Upon retirement he and Esther moved to LeGrand where they enjoyed creating quilts donating over 6000 to the MMSC (Unity Point) Stork’s Nest and social agencies for babies and children. Beryl was passionate about his faith, first and foremost, farming and his family. Beryl celebrated and treasured his family that includes sons: Michael (Shirley) Keen of Marshalltown, Steven (Mary) Keen of Ankeny, five grandchildren: Kevin (Melissa) Keen of LeGrand, Kami (Chip) Uhde of Marshalltown, Greg (Stephanie) Keen of Altoona, Erin (Carl) Jensen of Des Moines, Jeff (Ashley) Keen of Waverly; twelve great grandchildren – Jesse and Nolan Keen; Kaci and Chesni Uhde; Max and Mara Keen;  Zach, Trevor, Wesley Jensen; Noah and Elizabeth Keen.  Also surviving is his sister Lora Smaha who resides at Glenwood Place in Marshalltown. In eternal life he, he has rejoined his beloved wife who he adored, Esther as well as his parents and siblings- Walter and Dale. Beryl was loved and cared for by staff at Glenwood place where he called home for many years. A special thanks to the staff at Glenwood, especially Pam Wells who Beryl treated like a beloved daughter. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I finished the race, have kept the faith.