EIF-A_Lasting Contributions

LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS
‘Do it for the kids’
Carrying on a work ethic learned from his parents, Dick Keeney gave
his all to work, local schools and the farming community
BY NANCY MAYFIELD
EASTERN IOWA FARMER
Kelly Keeney had just gotten out
of the service. He had experience
welding from growing up on a
farm, so when a work space became
available in Miles, he decided to
open up shop. That was in 1953.
His wife and partner, Luella, toiled alongside
him, keeping the books, placing orders and putting
molds away.
Dick Keeney, his son, started helping out when
he was five years old
“Dick has been born into this business from
the word go,” Kelly said in a video about the
business made several years ago.
“My wife, she was the head bookkeeper. And
she worked. Everybody worked,” Kelly said.
That work ethic is a family hallmark. Dick
and his wife, Ann, eventually took over shop
operations, and their four children – who are now
grown – spent time helping out as well.
And while Keeney Welding was a place
farmers went to get things fixed, it always felt
like more than that, family members said. It was
a small-town business where people would stop
by to talk about things – their lives and families,
their hopes for the town and more.
The Keeney family and the community felt
Head
From
To Toe,
Dr. randy Burger has you covered.
Burger Chiropractic
If you have aches and pains from climbing on tractors or
a back out of whack from hauling seed bags, I can help you.
I also do sports physicals.
Burger Shoe Repair
While you’re here, leave that favorite pair of worn out
work boots for me to resole and bring back to life. I am
continuing a 35-year family legacy with my shoe, boot,
and leather repair business. I also do medical inserts.
Call 563-582-1188
Both businesses are located at 1340 Delhi Street, Dubuque — just down the
road from Finley Hospital and across from The American Legion.
62 EASTERN IOWA FARMER | SPRING 2024 eifarmer.com