02/18/2015
Vicki Diane Keener, age 66, retired DNR Park Assistant, of rural Harvey passed away Wednesday noon, February 18, 2015, at the Mercy Medical Center of Des Moines, Iowa.
Funeral services for Vicki will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, February 21, 2015, at the Winfield Funeral Home, of Knoxville, with Pastor Gene Jipson officiating. Burial will follow services at the Bethel Cemetery of Marion County, Iowa.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until service time on Saturday, February 21st, at the Winfield Funeral Home, with Vicki’s family present.
Vicki was born on September 15, 1948, the second child of Don and Hila (Laird) Keener. She attended Washington Country School thru 8th grade; Knoxville Community Schools thru the 11th grade and she graduated from Twin Cedars of rural Bussey in 1966.
For the next eight years, Vicki worked at Pella Corp. From there she went to DMACC for a two-year program in horticulture. She worked at local greenhouses during her internship. This degree was just a step in her goal of becoming an Iowa Conservation Officer. Vicki was the Head Park Attendant at numerous parks throughout the state in her 28 years of service to the DNR. In her last five years, she was at Elk Rock State Park north of Knoxville. Vicki retired from the DNR in April of 2004.
Vicki’s interests were many. She loved being outdoors. She took care of the animals, yards, plants, and flowers. Vicki liked woodworking, leather crafting, needlework, and cooking.
Vicki is survived by her brother, Terry Keener, her two sisters, Debbie (Les) Beaver and Cindee (Jim) Sytsma; her niece Kara Dawn Beaver; nephew, Tony (Kari) Keener, and family; and last but not least her pets, Henry and Toby. She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Hila (Laird) Keener; her nephew, Terry Sean Keener; and her sister-in-law, Leilani Keener.
A memorial in Vicki’s name has been established to the Clay Township Volunteer Fire Department or the Bethel Cemetery Association.
Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com. The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is helping Vicki’s family with services.