Paul John Keehn

Of Chicago, IL

Paul John Keehn was born on March 27, 1933, in Chicago to John and Marie (nee Helfers) Keehn. He died Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Arlington Heights.

Paul is survived by his children Nancy (Dennis) Kelly, Paul W. (Angie) Keehn, and Susan (Tom) Watts; grandchildren Jenna Kelly, Sarah (William) Yocius, Matthew (Claudia Carrasco) Keehn, Thomas Kelly, Ryan (Elissa) Keehn, Andrew Watts, Abigail (Fiancé Joseph Mullen) Watts and Adam Keehn; great-grandchildren Liam Yocius, Everly Keehn, Benjamin Yocius, and Cameron Keehn; and second wife of 13 years Linda Sherman Keehn; siblings, Diane (Bill Clanton) Keehn and David (the late Nancy) Keehn; sister-in-law Arlene Keehn; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife of over 50 years, Jean, and by his cherished grandson, SPC Samuel Watts, who died in Afghanistan while bravely serving his country; and by his dear brother John H. Keehn, and dear sister Kathleen (John) Sanders.

Paul’s life-long career was as an Electrical Engineer. He started out in the field of Telephony, and his career evolved as technology evolved. He designed communications systems, and he has several patents. He discovered his love for this field while in the Army in Korea, working as a Communications Specialist. He would always ask how things worked, and his Army Officer said, “I can only tell you how to fix them. If you want to know how they work, you need to get a degree in engineering.” That advice changed the course of his life. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. After that, he and Jean moved to Glen Ellyn, IL where they lived for 21 years and raised their family. His career then took him to Reston (VA), Scottsdale (AZ), and Irvine (CA). When he retired in 1992, he and Jean moved to Arlington Heights. Once he retired, his two favorite things were playing golf, and visiting and traveling with his children and grandchildren. He took his family on many wonderful family vacations, but his favorite was in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. He and Jean were members of St. Edna Catholic Church. He was always interested in learning new things. At various points in his life, he was interested in photography, winemaking, and building and flying model airplanes. Later in life, Paul met and married Linda Sherman. They enjoyed many happy years together, spending time in both Arlington Heights and Pensacola, Florida. Paul loved to sing, and Linda encouraged him to become part of her church choir. It became one of his favorite things to do. It is one of the many ways she helped keep his mind active as she supported him during the progression of his Alzheimer’s disease. He was a kind, happy, loving person. He was patient, wise, strong, and smart. He modeled moral integrity. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, immediately followed by 10:00 am Funeral Mass at St. Edna Catholic Church, 2525 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will be at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please visit www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com, or call (847) 253-0168 for Funeral information or to offer condolences.