Joseph Lyle Keeler

In loving memory of Joseph (Lyle) Keeler, who passed away peacefully at his residence in Roseville, CA on July 11, 2025. Lyle was born in Hale, Colorado on May 19, 1927 to Harry and Nellie Keeler. He spent his childhood in Hale and Wray, Colorado, and had many memories of growing up on a farm during the years of the depression and dust bowl. He had vivid recollections of enduring drought, blizzards, flooding, and grasshopper plagues. The resiliency, hard work and faith of his parents during those challenging times made a lifelong impact on his values.

During his high school years Lyle did farm and ranch work such as sheepherding and harvesting hay. After graduating from Wray High School in 1946, he continued to do farm work, drove trucks, and worked at the local Coop grain elevator.

Lyle came to California in 1953 and got a job in the storehouse at Pacific Fruit Express (later acquired by Southern Pacific), where he worked until his retirement in 1990. He met his wife Frances after arriving in California, and they were blessed with four children and 48 happy years of marriage prior to her death in 2004.

During his retirement years Lyle was active with volunteer activities, golfing, babysitting grandchildren, and travel. He and Frances enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Florida, Colorado and eastern Canada. Lyle’s international travel also included Ireland and China. His favorite trips were a paddleboat cruise on the Mississippi River and a Columbia River cruise. He also enjoyed visiting historical museums such as the California Agricultural Museum and attending classic car shows.

Lyle was a man of faith who was an active member and volunteer at Holy Family Catholic Church, serving in the food distribution ministry and on the collection counting team. In his later years he regularly tuned in to his favorite preachers on TV, studied scripture, and participated in a Bible study gathering at his assisted living community. One of his fellow Bible study participants said that he regularly prayed for his children and grandchildren to grow in faith.

He will be lovingly remembered for his helpfulness, sense of humor, and enjoyment of life.

Lyle was pre-deceased by his wife Frances, son Leonard, and siblings Robert, Doris, Clifford, William, Leonard, Gene, and Forrest. He is survived by his siblings Walter, Kay, and Phyllis, daughter Teresa (David), daughter Arleen (Rex), son Robert (Lisa), daughter-in-law Julie, grandchildren Nathaniel, David, Dawson, Rilee, and Daniel, and great-grandchildren Colette, Sydney, Stetson and Michael.

The Keeler family would like to thank the staff at Meadow Oaks of Roseville for their kindness and exceptional care during Lyle’s time in their community, and Interim Healthcare Hospice for their compassionate support during Lyle’s final months.