Obituary of Keith Hemphill
A funeral service for Mr. Keith Hemphill will be held Monday, May 5, 2014 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Visitation will be Sunday, May 4th after 5:00pm with the family present from 5-7 PM at the St. Joseph Parish Center. There will be a Parish Vigil Service at 6:30 PM. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Milford, Iowa with graveside military rites by Milford American Legion Post 384.
Donald (Keith) Hemphill, son of Frank and Marietta (Warburton) Hemphill, was born in Dickinson County on February 24, 1922. He graduated from Milford High School before joining the Army in 1942. After returning from World War II service in Europe, he married Mary Meyer Hemphill on August 24, 1946. They made their home on a farm east of Milford and had four children; Tim, Ray, Mary (Tootie) and Diane
Keith and Mary farmed until they retired and moved to Milford in 1983. During their years on the farm, he instilled in his children and grandchildren the value of hard work, persistence and of being a generous neighbor. He was always willing to help his neighbors or take them on in a game of cards. He also passed on his knowledge and love of horses to his family. Over the years, he spent many weekends at parades and horseshows with his own teams and helping others. During his retirement, Keith enjoyed watching sports, particularly baseball and sharing the company of many friends and family.
Of all the wonderful memories, nothing stands out more than Keith's quick wit. No matter what the situation, he was quick with a one liner to make everyone laugh. Ask his family, they can all quote their favorite "Keith line." Even in his final weeks, he maintained a strong sense of humor and bright smile.
Keith served in the US Army, 8th Armored Division from 1942-1946 and saw action at the Battle of the Bulge. While he did not talk much about his experiences, he did share some poignant stories over the years and was proud of the service he gave to his country. He was a true example of The Greatest Generation. In 2011, he had the opportunity to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, DC where he, together with several family members, visited the WW II and Iwo Jima Memorials. Keith quietly enjoyed this trip and the honor of being with his fellow veterans.
Keith passed away peacefully at the Milford Nursing Center on April 30, 2014 at the age of ninety-two. His quick wit and strong character will live on in the loving memory of his children, Tim (Linda) Hemphill, Ray (Donna) Hemphill and Mary "Tootie" Stellmach; grandchildren Jill Hemphill, Jeff (Cassidy) Hemphill, Matthew (Amy) Hemphill, Lindsay Hemphill, Allison (Matt) Cacek, Stephanie (Tom) Kirkpatrick, Samantha (Jeff) Huseman, Holly (Aaron) Geppert, Jenny (Austin) Ruhland and Joel Guthrie; great-grandchildren Koa Hemphill, Kyron Hemphill, Addilyn Larsen, Aubry Cacek and Avery Cacek. Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; daughter, Diane; parents, Frank and Marietta and brothers, Dwight, Bob, Glen, and Bill. May his memory be eternal.
