Obituary of Louis Eugene Keiler

Louis E. Keiler passed away peacefully on the morning of January 2nd at the Weatherly Inn Retirement/ Assisted Living Home in Tacoma. Lou and Betty Lou have been residing at the Weatherly since February, 2010. Dad was born on November 10th, 1918 in Rathdrum,Idaho to Clemont Jubinville and Fred J. Keiler. Louie’s father passed away at a young age and his mother, Clemont, married Walter Goldsmith. Louie left college at the beginning of WWII and enlisted in the Army Air Forces becoming a bomber pilot and aviation instructor. While on leave in Spokane from the Air Force he met and fell in love with Betty Lou Alton. They were married in Denver on November 11th, 1944 and made there first home in La Huenta, Colorado. After the war Louie began a career in banking and soon after moved the family, now including first born son, Joe, from Spokane to Walla Walla with Seattle First National Bank. Lou quickly worked his way up to branch manager at Seattle First Bank in Walla Walla. Later in his career he became a vice president in management at Seattle First Bank and worked there until his retirement in 1982. In his spare time, Louie was a private pilot, avid golfer, and long time member of the Walla Walla Country Club. Both Louie and Betty Lou were very active in community service and donated much of their time and resources to various organizations, both private and public. As members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church for 60 plus years they served the Parish in a number of roles, including Alter Guild and Vestry leadership. Louie is survived by Betty Lou, his wife of sixty seven years, sons Kevin (Joe), Fritz and Jay and numerous grand and great grandchildren. We would like to the time to thank a number people and organizations that cared for and comforted Lou in the last years of his life. Wheatland Retirement facility in Walla Walla provided loving care for Lou and Betty Lou when they first required assisted living care. In early 2010, when care needs intensified, the Keiler's moved to the Weatherly Inn in Tacoma. The Weatherly has taken them into their hearts and provided unparalleled care and compassion . We thank every caregiver, nurse and staff person that had made Lou's every day, a special day! We thank Drs. Sutherland and Retailliau of Multicare Internal Medicine for their skillful medical attention and warmth. Lastly, we thank the Tacoma Franciscan Hospice team with a special thanks to Clare and Mary B. for their help during Lou's time of need. A warm and special thanks to Blaise! The family is planning a memorial service on Sat. Jan.28th. at 10:30 AM at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 323 Catherine Street, Walla Walla, WA. Reception to follow.