Gerald "Jerry" Michael Keenan

Without ever losing his optimism nor a word of complaint, our beloved husband, dad, Ga and Great Ga went ahead of us to our heavenly home. Gerald Keenan, aged 88, passed away at home on March 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife of 63 years, Shirley, and his three daughters.

Born on June 11, 1937, Jerry was the second of three children born to Lilly and Ray Keenan. His determination, grit and resiliency were forged at an early age, after losing his mom when he was three. He was exceptionally close to his beautiful younger sister Kay and stories of brother Tom are legendary. A move to the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis gifted him with lifelong friends who lived by Franklin Avenue rules. What we wouldn't give to have seen them all in action.

His second job began at age 8 when he would take the streetcar to caddy in Edina. A love of golf began, as he purchased one club at a time. He also loved playing baseball and basketball. At age 16, he was hired at the Sears Roebuck Building. His jobs allowed him to put himself through DeLaSalle (class of 1955) and the University of Minnesota, majoring in Business with a minor in History. Upon graduating, he continued a 40-year career with Sears in management.

Jerry was set up with Foxy by Tom, who had been telling Shirley Fox his brother was the guy for her. Suffice it to say, it took several dates for her to see what Jerry was all about. They were married on February 23, 1963, and welcomed three daughters: Susan, Kathy and Sandy. The Keenans landed in Ames, Iowa in 1971 for what was supposed to be just a few years and they ended up staying 19 years. Jerry enjoyed managing the Sears store, welcomed leadership roles in the community and made a second crew of lifelong friendships over countless rounds of golf and pitch. An idyllic childhood was given to his three girls. Evening dinner was followed by long conversations around the kitchen table. He never missed his girls' activities and was always ready to spend time with them. His presence was love, steady and secure.

Jerry & Shirley moved back to the Twin Cities with Sears in 1990, before retiring from Sears a few years later. Never one to sit, Jerry continued working part-time until he was 80 years old auditing and inspecting various businesses. But his unwavering priority during his golden years was family and he immersed himself in his grandchildren's lives both in Minnesota and Florida. Besides taking all his grandkids out to the golf course, he was their chauffeur, babysitter, rebounder, pitcher, caddy, track volunteer, student, mentor, homework helper, cheerleader, counselor and treater of DQ runs.

Although his golf game was renowned and his expertise at work was evident, family was everything to Jerry. He loved his family beyond measure. He made you feel like you were the center of his world. If you were his family, you were the center of his world.

Jerry was preceded in death by mother, Lilly Lind Keenan; brother, Tom Keenan; sister, Kay Goduto; nephew, Mike Goduto; brother-in-law, John Goduto. Survived by wife, Shirley Keenan; daughters, Susan Lang (Ted), Kathy Neuroth (Jay), Sandy Hodgkin (Doug); grandchildren, Zach Lang (Sara), Katie Lang, Madison Harding (Caleb), Bekah Lang, Keenan Hodgkin (Brooke) & Bridget Hodgkin; great-grandchildren, Lucy & Evie Lang, Lavender & Reuel Harding.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to aid in research for others who endure Parkinson's Disease. Or take your donation money and spend special time with family or play a round of golf with friends. Whatever you do, be sure to let Shirley know.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday April 17, 2026, 12pm, at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, 15800 37th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN. Visitation will begin at 11am and lunch will follow the service. Feel free to wear your favorite golf attire for the service.