Dennis Scott Keeton

Dennis Scott Keeton, 69 of Greensboro, peacefully departed this life on Sunday morning, February 26, 2023. Denny was born August 17, 1953 in Lovilia, IA to Edith Elnora Scott and Elmer Joseph (Shag) Keeton. He graduated from Albia Community High School in 1971. Growing up in a small town in rural Iowa his first job in high school was bailing hay but when he discovered he could work inside and help people he became interested in a nursing career starting as a nursing assistant at the community hospital at the age of 16.

Denny was licensed as an RN following graduation from the University of Iowa College of Nursing in 1975. He graduated from the Minneapolis VA School of Nurse Anesthesia and was licensed as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in 1980. He later earned a Master’s in Health Services Administration from Webster University and a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Washington. He graduated from the US Army Command and General Staff College. He was an active member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists for 40 years.

Dennis joined the Iowa Army National Guard on April 1, 1973 due to a low draft number and continued to drill until he joined the Army Reserve after earning his degree. Dennis proudly served his country for over 27 years, retiring in 2000 from active service with the rank of Major as an Army Nurse Corp officer. He came to Greensboro as the chief nurse anesthetist for Moses Cone Hospital but moved to a staff position for more flexibility and retired 20 years later as a CRNA with the Same Day Surgical Center for Moses Cone Health in 2021. He loved the art of nursing and the ability to advocate for his patients and train new clinicians.

Friends will remember Dennis as a quiet man with a dry sense of humor. He enjoyed making wine, mead, cider and beer winning regional and national awards, scuba diving, camping, cooking, reading, bowling, and cross-country skiing and being with friends. Most of all, Dennis enjoyed spending time with his family. He married Beth Ann Rasmussen on May 2, 1981, in Wayzata, MN and later that year went on active duty and moved to Ft Bliss, Texas, followed by moves to Bremerhaven Germany where daughters Bridget and Kathryn were born, then Ft. Lewis, WA; Landstuhl, Germany; Ft Sill, OK; and back to Ft. Lewis, WA before settling in Greensboro. NC. He deployed to Haiti, Croatia with UN Peacekeeping Forces and a medical mission in Moscow, Russia.

Denny was a softball and soccer coach to the daughters, teams. He later because a soccer referee with his daughters but hung up the whistle when his legs would not keep up with the players. He was a Girl Scout dad for years and volunteered his bit to support cookie sales and badge work. Took up golf to support Kathryn’s team and joined community runs with Bridget. He was a great dad and a loving husband and was just learning how to be a grandpa.

His first volunteer job was as a CPR and First Aid Instructor to the community and other health professionals through Red Cross Training Services for over 15 years. He continued to support Beth Ann in her volunteer career with the organization, helping as needed and being a financial donor. He volunteered with the Adjunct Chaplain Program at Moses Cone for years helping families navigate the emotions of sudden illness and death of loved ones. Dennis was a member of Saint Pius X Catholic Church faith community where he was involved with the RCIA program, was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Community and was site coordinator for the Diocese of Charlotte Lay Ministry Program in Greensboro.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Beth Ann Keeton; daughters, Bridget de Mattos (Rob) of Monroe, NC and Kathryn Flanagan (Ian) of Oak Park, IL; granddaughter Keeton Ann Flanagan and Rob’s sons Charlie and Will de Mattos. He leaves behind many in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives, Joe’s significant other Lana Wolfers and friends. Dennis was preceded in death by parents Elmer Keeton and Edith Blomgren, sister-in-law, Donna Keeton, in-laws Raymond and Marian Rasmussen and suddenly his only brother, Elmer Joseph (Joe) Keeton.

The family thanks the health care providers of Moses Cone Heath and AuthoraCare Collective for the care and compassion they provided during Denny’s last unexpected health challenge.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, 20 March 2023, at Saint Pius X Catholic Church at 11:00 am officiated by Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio. A reception will follow in the Simmons Parish Center. Interment with military honors will be at 11:00 am on Friday, 12 May, 2023 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Disabled American Veterans online at dav.org/ways to give or via check to DAV, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250 or give to a charity of your choice in his name.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.