Funeral services for Franklin Homer Keim will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, Nebraska. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Military service will be provided by the Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Frankie, a longtime resident of Chadron, passed away March 27, 2024, at the Western Nebraska Veterans Home in Scottsbluff, NE. He was 99.
Frankie was born in Bloomington, Nebraska on March 6, 1925, to Franklin and Tracy Keim. He was the fifth of eight children. The Keim family moved to Chadron in 1936. After serving in the U.S. Army, Frankie returned to Chadron and married Martha A. Gochnauer on October 16, 1948, in Alliance, NE. To this union were born seven children. The couple farmed and ranched for many years around Chadron and near Hay Springs, NE. Frankie enjoyed many activities, especially fishing, hunting, rodeos, and Nebraska football.
Frankie is survived by two sisters, Edna Whaley and Ravay Kleeb of Broken Bow; four children, Loren (Mary Alice) Keim of Palmyra, NY; Beverly Wilhoit of Scottsbluff; Harvey (Deb) of York, NE and Bruce (Keith) of Rapid City, SD; son-in-laws Dave Hottell of Kimball and Jim Jackson of Chadron, 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, special-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Franklin was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Ann; three children, Larry Keim, Juanita Hottell and Leanna Jackson; son-in-law, Larry Wilhoit; brothers, Alvin, Erwin and David Keim and sisters, Kathryn Peak and Annalee Coday.
A memorial has been established for the Chadron Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, P.O. 970, Chadron, NE 69337. Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com