COTTAGE GROVE - Brian Dennis Keenan, born in Janesville, Wis., on April 14, 1943, to John and Francis Keenan passed away on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He went down fighting - courageously battling an army of health problems.

Brian is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elaine (Beitlich) Keenan; oldest daughter, Jennifer “Jenney” Rott, son-in-law, Matt Rott, grandson, Shawn Rott, and granddaughter, Cassie Rott; youngest daughter, Jessica Keenan, and grandsons, Ashton and Bentley Chapin; his sister, Deanna (Keenan) May, brother-in-law, Jim May, and three nieces, Kristy, Kathy and Kari; and brother, John F. Keenan Jr., sister-in-law, Judy (Kramer) Keenan, nephews, Mike Keenan, Craig Keenan and Dan Keenan, and nieces, Katie Keenan and Susie Keenan.

Brian was a devoted husband and loved his family. He adored his grandchildren and was proud to be their “Papa.” He never missed a go kart race or event. He showed rain or shine. Spending time with family was everything to him.

Brian was sassy, loving and kind. He was a great storyteller and could hold an audience. His family never tired of hearing him tell the same stories, even if the fish got bigger and the deer’s antlers were larger. He adamantly pushed every one of his kids’ buttons, was a stubborn old man, but when it came down to it, beneath that tough exterior, he was kind and would lay on the tracks for any of his kids or grandkids. If they needed him, he would drop everything and be there.

He loved many kinds of guns, knowing just about anything and everything about them. He was proud to be an American, and bled red, white, and blue. He was extremely close to his brother, John, and they would relive each war talking for countless hours over the phone. He was proud to have served in the U.S. Army for three years, stationed in Germany. He was a dedicated employee for the VA and worked in food service for 30 years.

Brian hunted all the time, especially deer and geese. He enjoyed fishing and anything outdoors. He loved wildlife, visiting National Parks, and camping every year with family at Nicolet National Forest and Franklin Lake. His favorite kind of vacations were driving out west to Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Arizona. He loved the open road, and these were the places he longed to be.

He loved old westerns. The End of the Trail was his favorite theme. He always wanted to be a cowboy. He may not have herded cattle, but he had the tenacious spirit of a cowboy, and refused to give up. Each health decline, he hurdled - he had that willingness and kind of attitude to keep going - even when faced with insurmountable obstacles. Despite the hardships he rode on with guts, grit, and heart.

Happy trails, old man. You live on in our hearts. It’s not the end of the trail. From the lyrics of a favorite song by Marty Robbins:

“My love is stronger than my fear of death.

And at last, here I am on the hill overlooking El Paso

I can see Rosa’s Cantina below

My love is strong and it pushes me onward

Down off the hill to Feleena, I go.”

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon followed by a funeral service with military honors at 12 noon. A lunch will follow at the American Legion.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590

Brian D. Keenan

April 14, 1943 - December 12, 2022

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