Obituary of Robert Charles Keil

Robert Charles Keil, 91, of Bear Creek, died Saturday, January 26, 2013, at Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, following an illness. Born in Hudson section of Plains, on February 5,1921, he was a son of the late George and Catherine Bowman Keil. He grew up in the Plains area and was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School. Robert served his country in the Army during World War II. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division. He served under Patton's 3rd Army fighting through the European Theater. Robert received numerous medals and was honorably discharged after his service. Returning home, Robert was employed by the Stress Steel Company of Wilkes-Barre. He was a machine operator until his retirement. Robert married Rosemary Ruddick in 1951 and happily together celebrated fifty-three years of marriage until Rosemary passed in 2004. Robert was an avid hunter and loved bowling. He was also a past member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre. He was preceded in death by brothers George, Jack, Albert, Charles and sister Ruth Jenkins. Mr. Keil is survived by his daughter Debbie Peduto and her husbandLouie, Bear Creek; granddaughter Shannon Hernandez and her husband Eric, Mountain Top; great grandchildren Brayden and Kadyn; and his furry faithful friend Oliver. Mr. Keil's funeral will be conducted on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. from Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains, with Rev. Peter Kuritz, Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Donations, in honor of Robert Keil, can be made to Hospice Community Care, a division of Celtic Healthcare, 601 Wyoming Ave.,Kingston. For condolences to the family and directions to the funeral home, please access: www.yanaitisfuneralhome.com.