Richard Lee Keeling Jr
October 04, 1965 — August 17, 2025
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Service Details
Richard Keeling Jr., 59, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, in his hometown. He was born on October 4, 1965.
Rick met the love of his life, Keri, at the age of 16. The two shared a beautiful journey together, celebrating 40 years of marriage this past June. Together, they raised two children, Ashli and Nick, and Rick’s greatest joy was becoming “Pops” to his seven grandchildren, whom he adored beyond measure.
At 18, Rick proudly joined Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 33, dedicating 39 years of his career to AJ Allen before retiring. He was deeply respected for his work ethic and dedication. Beyond his career, Rick found fulfillment in coaching, sharing his passion for sports with many young athletes, especially when it came to coaching his son and later his grandsons.
In retirement, Rick enjoyed playing cards with friends, watching and cheering on his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes football team, and rooting loudly for his St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He was known for his booming voice and larger-than-life presence—sometimes tough on the outside, but a softy at heart.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Keri Keeling; his parents, Dick and Mary Keeling; his father-in-law, Gene McConnell; his children, Ashli O’Conner (Justin) and Nick Keeling (Corina); his cherished grandchildren, Estella, Greyson, Sullivan, Jett, Leland, Briggs, and Jagger; his sisters, Kim Irwin (Shaun) and Deanna Russo (Mark); his sister-in-law, Karmi McConnell (Joe); and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 33 Training Center, 2403 Bell Avenue. Please come, share stories, and celebrate the life of Rick “Icky.”
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in honor of Richard.
Gary Wilson
08/27/2025
I didn’t know that Rick had passed until yesterday Tuesday 8/26/25, when I seen an email that my sister Sandy Wilson sent informing me. I’m truly sorry for the loss of your Son, and I know what it feels like, like a part of yourself has been amputated; having also lost my Son, Garrett Wilson, 6/3/2018, at the age of 37.
When I was a young kid, my dad, Cal Wilson would often take all of us to visit your mother, Gladys, and your older brother Milo. Your mother Gladys, I remember was a wonderful and gracious woman. We also had a few 4th of July celebrations and picnics on the Keeling farm, and at Johnny Hague’s home and acreage, my dad’s cousin, who I think was also only 37, when he died of a heart attack in 1963 or 64, I’m not sure? I used to watch the men play horse shoes, and you and your brother Milo shoot at targets with your Bow & Arrows. Those are fond memories of mine, when I was a young kid, and I also remember being so impressed, when you and your brother Milo would rev the engines of your cars, that sounded powerful, like they had some considerable horsepower. And from memory anyway, Milo had a 58 Chevy, and you had a 55 Chevy, with a colored little logo of the Road Runner cartoon character on the door. And I don’t know what engine you’re 55 Chevy had in it, a built up 327 if I was to guess. But I do remember being at the DesMoines drag strip a few years later when I was older, and Milo happened to be there with his 58 Chevy, and it didn’t just sound powerful, it really was pretty fast, and I watched him win a couple of races with it. And one of them was against the car owned by a young guy who worked for my dad, which is why we were there, to watch him race his new 1966 hi performance version of the 289 Mustang, that he also had just put in a 4:56 rear end for drag racing, along with a pair of new slicks, but Milo won the race with his 1958 Chevy. And I got into drag racing pretty heavy myself, starting right after, that can turn into an addiction, that didn’t stop until I got married. And I’m going to assume that Milo had either the factory built high performance version of the 348 cubic inch engine, or he had it built himself.
And I apologize for this long rambling commentary, that I didn’t initially intend, and probably isn’t appropriate for what this forum is intended. But I typed it late enough that no one will probably see it anyway, but if Rick’s Dad, Dick Keeling would happen to see this, I doubt very much that he would be offended by it.
Keith Elmquist
08/27/2025
Rest in Peace Icky. Enjoyed all the jobsite conversations about grandkids and life. Prayers to your family.
Lusa Jarosh
08/19/2025
Prayers to you Keri. Oh what fun we had with the Eagles. So sorry hear.
Ron Saf
08/19/2025
Prayers to the family on Rick’s passing. I was lucky to work with Rick and he made the day fun. His sense of humor was unmatched.
Terri Hester Hayworth
08/19/2025
My beautiful cousin Keri~
My heart is broken for you all. SO many funny memories of Rick. He was a blast to be around. Always lit up a room when he came in. THE funniest guy in our family! Loved to play cards and bingo with him. You will find the strength to get thru this with the love from Ashley, Nick, Karmi and especially those grandbabies. Although I can't be there physically know I AM with you in spirit and prayers.
I love you Keri!!!
TerriJo
Sara Robertson
08/18/2025
I met Rick when he first coached my son’s Kittie Keague team and ended up coaching his traveling baseball USSA/AAU team, the Eagles, until the boys entered high school. I have so many fond memories of Rick. I truly loved him like a brother. I will deeply miss him asking Keri when I was In the phone with her. He’d holler to Keri “who you taking to”? She’d reply “Sara” and he’d holler “Sara Jane”. He knew my middle name is not Jane but that’s what he called me. I will miss him terribly. A big hearted teddy bear.
Jamie Briar
08/18/2025
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Rick. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Love and hugs.
Jamie & Gavin
Angie Constable
08/18/2025
So very sorry for your loss, Kerri. Prayers for healing for you and your family. 🙏