After graduation from Brunswick High School, Joel operated the family farm near Brunswick, NE, for 15 years and served in the Army Reserve from 1959 – 1965. He married Helen Goetzinger on November 21, 1964, in Plainview, NE, and their daughter, Sheryle, was born on June 1, 1967.
The family moved to Pilger, NE, in 1969. Joel began working at Alexander Feedlots, where he stayed for nearly 40 years. Not quite ready to retire, he was then employed at Pilger Sand and Gravel for five years. He was elected as a Trustee of the Pilger Village Board for three terms and enjoyed his service to the community. A man of faith, he was an active member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Wisner, NE, and later Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh, NC.
On June 16, 2014, Pilger was struck by rare dual tornadoes that nearly wiped out the small community and destroyed or damaged many homes. Rather than rebuild, Joel and Helen moved to Durham, NC, in 2015 to be near their daughter’s family, which allowed them to spend time with their grandsons, Nolan and Cole.
Joel loved cheering on Nolan and Cole as they played sports. He enjoyed watching Duke basketball and college football, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Joel always found time to stop and visit with friends and family. He was an avid fisherman, incredibly lucky card player, devoted husband and father, and a good friend to many.
Joel is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Helen; daughter Sheryle and her husband Mark; two grandsons Nolan and Cole; sister Linda; and many extended family and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Bonnie in infancy, and grandson Joel.
A private service will be held in Raleigh, NC, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for the immediate family. Due to present gathering precautions, the family hopes to arrange a celebration of life at a later time for all to gather in Joel’s memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church - 11401 Leesville Road - Raleigh, NC 27615 or your local church.
If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the Kee Family, you may do so below within "add a memory" or you may mail a sympathy card to Mitchell Funeral Home - ATTN: Kee Family - 7209 Glenwood Avenue - Raleigh, NC 27612 and we will forward on for you.
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