John D. Keltner, 95, a former resident of Grand Court, Lake Fairways Golf & Country Club in N. Fort Myers, Fla., and Rockford, Ill., passed away on Sept. 13, 2011, at HealthPark Hope Hospice.
John was born in Dekalb, Ill., to Charles and Lillie Keltner. He attended high school in Rockford, Ill., and following high school he married Lucille Gardner. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving overseas in the Signal Corps during WWII. After discharge from the Army, John initially worked for Bruce Offset Printers and then Magnuson Industries. Both John and Lu, and their two daughters, were members of the 2nd Congregational Church in Rockford, Ill.
Throughout his life, John was active in many community organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and an active member of the Kiwanis Club. He was also active in the Lake Fairways community. John held many leadership positions in both the Lake Fairways Golf Club and the Homeowners Association.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Katherine; and four brothers – Ralph, Dick, Paul, and George. John is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lucille; daughters, Doreen Richter (Tom) of Washington Park, N.C., and Joanne Long (Richard) of Rochester, Minn.; grandchildren, Lyndsay Richter of Charlotte, N.C., Jay Richter of Washington Park, N.C., and Mary Rush (Kelly), Patty Scallon and Mike Scallon of W. Des Moines, Iowa; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
John will be remembered for his warm and friendly smile, dedicated work ethic, honesty, willingness to help others, and his love for his family and friends.
A private service will be held by the immediate family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in the Keltner name may be directed to BCCC Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 1069, Washington, NC 27889) or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered at www.nationalcremation.com or to the National Cremation & Burial Society, 3453 Hancock Bridge Parkway, N. Fort Myers, FL 33903.