Farming is Your Tradition. Providing Financial Strength is Ours. Our Ag team is here to help you and your operation with financial strength for success. • JOHN MIELK • MARK MILDER • JOEL KACZINSKI Clinton National Bank clintonnational.com • 563-243-1243
When Dick died, the family was clear about wanting the business to continue. They wanted to pay tribute to Dick’s ability to fix things, to work with his hands, to be a businessman, an engineer and welder, all in one. They did not want to sell the business for parts. Luckily, Josh Ellis had come to work for Dick about a year before his death. Ellis, who grew up in Camanche, learned a lot from Dick in the short time he worked with him. When they got to work, they didn’t talk much but accomplished a lot. “We flowed together very well,” Ellis said. Dick was generous with his knowledge, giving Ellis tips on how to do things without being overbearing. “He was one of the best men I’ve ever been around and worked for,” Ellis said. The shop celebrated its 70-year anniversary, and Ellis is appreciative of the loyal customers from over the years continuing to do business there. “I’m very thankful people are still coming in,” said Ellis, who recently moved to the Miles area with his wife, Ashley, and kids, Braelynn and Waylon, to be closer to the business. LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS The Keeneys are happy to see it thriving. They have many memories, with three generations spending hour upon hour at the business. Taylor and Tanner remember sweeping floors, putting away steel, making parts for fence posts, painting, cleaning, sorting nuts and bolts, or running errands for him. For Ann, it felt like a home away from home. Dick’s legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren and Keeney Welding. His words in the video sum up his commitment. “The reason we come down here to work is to make a better life for them, and they’re doing it for the next generation,” he said. n Kelly and Luella (Durkop) Keeney celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Aug. 6, 2022. They began Keeney Welding in 1953, working together to build the Miles business that has served the local farming community. Dick Keeney, their son, started helping out when he was five years old. Relax, Refresh, Recharge & Explore Keeney Welding SINCE 1953 Steel Fabrication Portable Service Steel Sales MIlES, Ia 563-682-7699 River Ridge Trails covers miles of scenic road trails and connects to state authorized roads for you to explore our many attractions in beautiful Jackson County. Our trails and roads are a great way to connect to surrounding communities and live the Jackson County way of life! After your a long day on the trails make sure to schedule an overnight stay at our rustic resort, Whispering Meadows, where you will find unique amenities awaiting such as a fishing pond and 6 hole golf course that are sure to recharge you! River Ridge ATV Trails 34580 100th St. • Spragueville, Iowa • (563) 357-3784 whisperingmeadows@yahoo.com whisperingmeadowsresortia.com eifarmer.com SPRING 2024 | EASTERN IOWA FARMER 67