Douglas Jay Keyes, age 83, passed away on Friday, August 24, 2012, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Jodi and Hugh, of Prairie du Sac, where he had resided for the last three and a half years. He was born in Rockford, IL on July 31, 1929, the son of the late Howard and Florence (Olson) Keyes. He enlisted in the United State Marine Corps and served during World War II and the Korean War, receiving a purple heart for injurires received during the Korean War. In 1950 he received his high school diploma from Rockford East High School. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Hopper-Nelson-Keyes on April 9, 1960. She preceded him in death on December 23, 1995.


Doug owned and operated Doug Keyes Realtors in Rockford for 33 years, and later did real estate appraisals, until retiring. He was a former active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford, the Rockford Lions Club, and the Rockford V.F.W. Post. He enjoyed playing cards, golf, fishing and bowling. In addition he was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed going to games and watching them on T.V. He will be remembered for his hard work ethic, reliability, honesty and his humor.


He is survived by his children, Gregory (Rebecca) Nelson of Menasha, Bonnie Keyes of Mount Horeb, Kathryn (Scott) Woods of Verona and Jodi (Hugh) Johnson of Prairie du Sac; 7 grandchildren, Gunther Nelson, Jeremy "J.J." and Barry Gordon, Brittani and Brian Woods, and Megan and Traci Johnson; a sister, Joanne Reum; and his ex-wife, Hazel Arno-Keyes-Dorn, whom he remained friends with. In addition to his parents, and wife, Dorothy, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amanda Lee Johnson and a brother-in-law, Robert Reum.


As per Doug's wishes, a graveside service will be held at the SAUK CITY CEMETERY, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 2, 2012. Following the service a small gathering will be held at Jodi and Hugh's home for family and close friends.


Jodi and Hugh would like to thank Emily, Michelle, Carol and Sally. We were so blessed to have our angel Mary, a very amazing person, as our Hospice volunteer. In addition they would like to thank the rest of the staff from Home Health United Hospice, the V.A. Home Care Team, Rusty and Monica from Bright Star, Larry from Meals on Wheels, our neighbor, Rachel, who is an RN, and would come over to help anytime we needed her, and anyone we may have missed. May God bless you all, as we could not have had Dad in our home for this time without any of you.