REV. DANIEL R. KEYES, age 67,
Of rural New Bremen, died suddenly at his residence in the early morning hours of March 1, 2022. He was born on September 19, 1954 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the son of the late Ralph T. and Bette L. (Steele) Keyes. Survivors include his children: Carolyn (Andrew Stonerock) Keyes of Granbury, Texas, John (Corinne) Keyes, Joe (Lindsey) Keyes and Patrick Keyes all of Columbus, Ohio; his five grandchildren; and his siblings: Tim Keyes of Pennsylvania, Barbara Jenkins, Marcia (Dave) Wiger, Jim (Sandy) Keyes, and Patty Keyes all of Minnesota. Along with his parents, Dan was preceded in death by a brother, Tom Keyes.
Throughout Dan’s life, his creative talents, his passions, his love for others, and his faith in God manifested in everything that he did. After graduating from Cretin High School in Saint Paul he went on to graduate from St. John’s University where he studied theater and history. Early in his career he put his talents to work at historic Ft. Snelling and Ft. Wayne before working as a faith-based entertainer for several years. After this, he began working as a decorative painter and formed his business, Keyes Brothers, where he was assisted by his brother and children. Dan was a talented and self-taught visual artist who left his mark in many area communities with his large-scale, historical murals and other artwork. Outside of work, he shared the arts with the community as a performer, volunteer, set designer, writer, and passionate teacher. He was a founding member of Lock One Community Arts in New Bremen, and he directed the Drama Club at New Bremen High School for many years. He wrote several plays, five of which were presented by the drama club, and two screenplays. His true passion in life was his faith, which he loved to share with anyone who would listen. Through his work as an ordained minister of ten years, he touched many people, bringing them closer to the Lord.
Above all else, Dan’s greatest achievement was his dedication to the word of God, its truth, its accuracy, and its integrity. This dedication was made manifest in his caring and tending of the people around him: his fellowship, his students, and his family. His creative talents, passions, immense love, ceaseless humor, and fervent commitment to the truth of God’s word were always done for the edification of those most dear to him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 with an open house from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and a short service at 1:30 PM at the New Bremen Senior Citizen’s Center (700 E. Monroe Street, New Bremen, Ohio 45869). Memorial contributions in Dan’s memory can be made to Lock One Community Arts or The Teachings Institute. Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen is assisting the family, and online condolences can be left on the funeral home website: www.gilberghartwigfh.com.
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Dr. Larry D. Smith says
March 8, 2022 at 10:14 amWe are very saddened to hear the news of Dan’s passing. Dan’s involvement with the school art performances over the years as well as his many community art projects, will serve as a testament to his creative talents. For Dan’s family, we send our deepest sympathy and our prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Larry and Janice Smith
Mike Schumm says
March 8, 2022 at 10:18 pmOn behalf of myself, my family and the Rockford Bicentennial Committee, we are saddened to hear that Dan has passed away. The mural he painted in Rockford is truly phenomenal and is a lasting blessing to our community .I found him to be very gifted as an artist, an historian, and theologian. Dan’s love for his country was second to none and he was a true patriot. But most importantly was his love for humanity and commitment to his faith. He will truly be missed. May the Good Lord grant peace and comfort to the family in the days, weeks and months to come.
Melanie Dands says
March 10, 2022 at 1:10 pmDan made my acting career dream come true. I wanted to act in LA but an actor friend of mine refused to help me because it was an ugly world. I am grateful I never took that path.During living victorious . It was called “The only one’ I was able to play the roll of Angela an apparition that came back to haunt her husband. A very avant- hard play that really was a huge success. I went on after that into professional acting courses but only acted at churches after that. I always looked up to Dan as my coach. He was also a dear friend who endlessly made me laugh. My heart is in deep sorrow but I know I will see him
Again one day. Rest In Peace my friend❤️
Paul Overbeck says
March 10, 2022 at 3:46 pmDan was the leader and top performer of the “Black Jacks” Crack Drill squad at Cretin High School. Cretin was an all-boys Catholic school run by Cristian Brothers with a mandatory Jr ROTC program. He made it to the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and was jokingly voted Most Militaristic of our 1972 graduating class.
I knew him as a serious, focused, dedicated and fun-loving guy with talents ready to be displayed. I was happy to read what he accomplished and about the people and communities he impacted positively. I was looking forward to catching up at our 50th reunion this September.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Larry Scharfenberger says
March 11, 2022 at 12:48 pmThe world has lost an enormous talent and we have lost a beloved friend. Much love to family. The Scharfenbergers