Alfred "Al" Keilman, age 73, of Aurora, passed away at home after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Al is survived by his wife, Mary (nee Cable). Mary courageously stepped into the role of caregiver and for years was dedicated to creating moments of joy for her sweet husband along the way. Al is also survived by his son Brent (Laura) and siblings Rosemary, Michael, and Mary Keilman, Pat Wirtz, and sisters-in-law; Betty, Faye, Charlette, and Vivian Keilman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Alfred and Bertha, sisters; Virginia Case, Ruth Pointer, and brothers Harold, Ralph, James, Robert, and Thomas; and brother-in-law Wayne Pointer.
Al acquired a strong work ethic growing up on a dairy farm in St. John, Indiana. A longtime resident of Aurora, he worked for many years at Roney Oatman Dairy and eventually retired from the City of Aurora Streets Department in 2013. Al loved the outdoors and had a side business mowing lawns and trimming bushes for several years. When he wasn't busy at work, Al explored the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska while cruising with his wife. He was often found shooting hoops or kicking a soccer ball with the neighbor kids, helping with projects around the yard, or helping Mary clean the house. Al was a sports enthusiast. In earlier years he coached children's baseball and basketball. For forty plus years he refereed youth basketball and was also an umpire in addition to being an avid bowler, basketball and softball player. He was a fan of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, the Chicago Bears and Cubs. In earlier years, Al was an avid fisherman. Al served the community as a volunteer Marywood Fireman and EMT for many years until the department was closed. Al thoroughly enjoyed socializing at the Phoenix Club where he was a member for over 20 years. In years past he and Mary volunteered for different social functions and Al served as a board member. Mary is forever indebted to the countless friends at the Club who supported her and Al over the years engaging Al in conversation, Yahtzee, playing cards, and especially all the music and dancing.
Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, August, 25, 2021 at 10:00am at Annunciation Church. Fr. Patrick Gillmeyer, OSB will officiate. Interment will be private.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 24, 2021 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm with a liturgical wake service at 4:00pm at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500. Visit our website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Al's family.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.