Elaine M. Keen

Elaine M. Keen, 88, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, June 20, 2025. Elaine was born on January 5, 1937, in Spring Green, Wisconsin to Joseph and Laura Fischer. Elaine met the love of her life, Charles Keen, by chance while working at the Hollywood Restaurant. She married him on September 27, 1958, and soon started their family. Raising four boys presented its own set of challenges – some funny, and some not so funny to Elaine. She was serious but loved all of her sons dearly and fiercely. Unfortunately, Elaine never got around to revealing who the golden child was, but we can say with confidence it was between Marty and Chuck. When her title changed to grandma, her loving side showed more and more, and she even turned into one who would give you an immense number of hugs per visit. It is also important to mention she only dealt with one grandchild at a time – but only to give them the amount of attention they deserved, and definitely not because it was “too much” at a time to have multiple around.

Above all else, Elaine was an extremely loyal member of North Love/Woodlands Baptist Church. Through her years she was part of Sunday School, Reformers Unanimous, academics, and even the bus program. She also had a special eye for creating floral arrangements and earned a certificate in floral design. Elaine also loved to bake, especially wedding cakes. Her baking was a strong skill, and some would say it made up for her cooking (her sons would like to mention it was not bad, it was just unique and “healthy”).

She is survived by her husband, Charles Keen; sons, Jim (Patty) Keen, Marty Keen, Chuck (Jeana) Keen; 10 grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren; siblings, Louie Grell and Lilly Anderson; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Darren (Erica) Keen; parents, Joseph and Laura; brothers, Frank Fischer, Harold Fischer, and John Fischer; sisters, Lorraine Grell, Dorothy Larson, Barbara Estes, and Lucy Estes.

We as a family would like to acknowledge Marty’s care to Mom. He was there for her every step of the way in her journey, and we are grateful, but it still does not mean he was officially named the golden child.