James F. Keist Obituary (1935

James F Keist, Sr., 83, of Bloomington, died at 6:30am Friday (August 16, 2019) at The Loft Rehabilitation and Nursing in Normal. A private, family graveside service will be held at 11am on Tuesday along with Military Rites conducted by the Bloomington/Normal American Legion Honor Guard followed with the interment in Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is handling arrangements. Jim was born Sept 10, 1935, in Bloomington, to Alfred and Josephine Keist. He married Ruth Elaine Billings on Feb. 10, 1955, in Bloomington. She preceded him in death on July 14, 2015. Jim and Ruth Keist are survived by five children, four sons, James (Sharon) Keist and Gary Keist, both of Normal, and Steven Keist and Richard (Dee) Keist, both of Bloomington, and one daughter, Jeannie Keist of Bloomington; seven grandchildren, Jamie Keist, Lori (Mike) Watson, Sherry (Jamie) Esparza, Nick (Carmen) Keist, Derek (Leanna) Keist, Brad Keist (Dana) and Robert D. Keist; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Sharon Kletz, and two brothers Mike Keist and Bill Keist. He was preceded in death by his wife, one son, Robert J. Keist, and one sister, Betty. Jim retired from the U S Post Office where he worked for 36 years. He retired in 1998. Jim's passion was well known as a Chicago Cubs fan. He also enjoyed taking drives, eating out at local restaurants, talking about history and politics, and celebrating Christmas Eve with his large family each year. Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Cancer Center.