Elmer Keuhnle

Elmer G. Keuhnle, 82, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015, at Park Place Elder Living in Mt. Pleasant. Visitation will begin after 2:00 p.m., at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. that same evening. Following the visitation, at 7:00 p.m., there will be a Celebration of Life Service, with Pastor Bryan Katchay officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Henry County Honor Guard. Memorials been established to Henry County Friends of Conservation and the Dover Museum of New London, IA. Born October 17, 1932, in Burlington, IA, Elmer George was the son of George and Mildred Wagner Keuhnle. He was a New London High School graduate. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. On January 8, 1955, Elmer married Mary Lomax Foggy at the New London Presbyterian Church. She preceded him in death on May 25, 2010. Beginning his career in 1955, as a lineman for the New London Phone Company, Elmer continued working in the communication business for 35 years before retiring. At the time of his retirement he was the District Engineer for Contel where he supervised the engineering projects and personnel for the eastern half of Iowa. He was Contel's Citizen of the Year in 1977. Elmer was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Masonic Lodge #8 A.F. and A. M. where is served as Worshipful Master in 1972. He served on the Mount Pleasant City Council and the Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club Board. He was a member of Country Club on the River and First Presbyterian Church. Elmer was an active volunteer for the Dover Museum for many years and constructed many of the displays in the current museum. He was the Dover Museum Volunteer of the Year in 2004. A nature enthusiast, Elmer was happiest when he was outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing, and he took care of the conservation projects on the family farm. He was an avid golfer, a fan of all sports, and a supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He liked woodworking and was a great storyteller. He enjoyed eating out with the R.O.M.E.O. Club. Survivors include two daughters, Kimn (Tom) Hassenfritz and Lyndel (Mike) Barton, all of Mt. Pleasant, IA; five grandchildren, Blaire (Stacie) Barton, Gabrean (Liz) Barton, Jess Hassenfritz, Libbe Hassenfritz, and Ian Hassenfritz; along with five great-grandchildren, Morgan, Reece, and Alek Barton and Cole and McKinley Barton. Along with his wife, Mary, Elmer was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson Cale Barton.