Joseph D. Keenan

STERLING – Joseph D. Keenan, 90, of Sterling, died Thursday, March 12, 2015, at his home.

He was born Aug. 17, 1924, in Amboy, the son of Joseph and Mayme (Branigan) Keenan. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army Air Corps, entering Aug. 19, 1942. He flew several missions on a bomber as a staff sergeant radio operator and was shot down and taken as a prisoner of war by the Germans. He was discharged Oct. 28, 1945.

He married Ione Wells on Feb. 8, 1947, at St. Patrick Church in Amboy.

Joe was employed by the Sterling Post Office as a clerk for more than 30 years before retiring. He was a very proud member of AA for over 30 years and had worked with, and was a speaker to, prisoners in the Ogle County Jail. He was a member of the Sterling American Legion Post 296 and the VFW Post 8455. He was an avid Cubs fan.

Surviving is his wife, Ione; two sons, Terry (Heidi) Keenan of Portland, Oregon, and Patrick (Rhonda) Keenan of Phoenix; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service with military honors will take place later. Cremation rites were accorded.

McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory handled arrangements.