Date of death: 4/16/2026
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1960
Richard Keethers, 92, died on April 16, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Richard was born on December 24, 1933, in Evansville, Indiana. He attended Saint Meinrad High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Louis University. He later completed two master’s degrees in psychology at Southern Illinois University. He also served in the United States Army for three years, which included service during the Korean War.
Over the course of his life, Richard lived in St. Louis, Missouri, and spent more than 50 years in Kankakee, Illinois. In the last year of his life, he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to be closer to family.
Richard devoted more than 30 years to Kankakee School District #111. He worked as a child psychologist and supported countless students and families with patience, steadiness, and care. He was a loyal parishioner of the Catholic church for his entire life. In the Kankakee community he was an active member at St Stan’s, St. Martin’s and St. Teresa’s. He also gave generously of his time, serving in the YMCA Y’s Men Club for over 20 years and remaining active in Toastmasters International for more than 30 years.
He was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan, a loyal Chicago Bears fan, and an avid golfer; both playing and following the game for most of his life. Richard was also a devoted dog lover and caregiver; he found joy in the companionship and care of animals throughout his life.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Ann Keethers and brothers Gene, Jim and Pete. He is survived by his children, David Keethers (Kara), Rachel Reed-Smith (Chris), Jennifer Wierzchon (Rich), Christopher Reed (Kim), and Brian Reed as well as his sister Patricia Probst and sister in law Sue Pari. Additional survivors include 7 grandchildren; Zera, Suzanne, Elise, Andrew, Brittney, Tiana, and Devin; and three great-grandchildren.