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