Irene F. Keist, nee Rich, longtime resident of Delavan, WI, passed to eternal life on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Irene was born on March 19, 1944, in Nebraska City, NE, to William M. "Mitchell" and Sarah (McQuinn) Rich. Irene married John E. Keist on December 29, 1972, in Nebraska City, NE. Irene trusted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at the age of 8 years, and that decision guided all her life choices. Along with her dear twin Iola, she attended Grace Bible Institute and Immanuel School of Nursing in Omaha. She spent 35 years in her nursing career, serving overseas for a year as well as working in 6 different states in hospitals, clinics, Christian camps, and home health care. She regretfully retired from nursing in 1999 after battling a number of health issues but fully embraced her new role as Grandma. Irene was well known for her creative crafting projects and always found a way to give to those she loved. She and her husband John were active in the churches they attended and loved to travel together. Though their hearts belong to the southwestern USA, they also enjoyed exploring the territory around wherever the Air Force stationed their active duty son-in-law and his ever-growing family. Irene loved being available when her grandchildren were born, welcoming each as a precious gift from God. Irene is survived by her husband John, children Beverly (Ted) Jacobson, John (Jasmin) Edward IV; grandchildren Charis (Isaac) Hodges, Tobin, Arden, Kenna, Lucan, Zaden, Seanin, Rhema and Verity Jacobson and Abigale Keist; great grandchildren Hollianne and Felicity Hodges; twin sister Iola (Alan) Isely; sisters-in-law Judith, Jaala "JJ," and brother-in-law James Matthew Keist. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, uncles, aunts, and numerous cousins. The family will have a private interment at Washington Reformation UCC in Monticello, WI. A celebration of life service will be held at Calvary Community Church on November 25 at 11am, with reception beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Verity's Village, the nonprofit ministry started by Irene's daughter and inspired by her granddaughter, Verity Irene. Online gifts can be made at VeritysVillage.com. Lazarczyk family funeral Home of Delavan, WI assisted the family.

Published by Nebraska City News Press from Oct. 17 to Oct. 25, 2024.