James E. 'Butch' McKeeman

March 26, 1945--Nov. 6, 2010

OSHKOSH, Nebraska -- James E. "Butch" McKeeman, 65, died Saturday (Nov. 6, 2010), at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota after a year long battle with cancer.

Jim was born March 26, 1945, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Rex Wade and Freda Garland (Spurrier) McKeeman. He grew up and received his education in Gering, Nebraska, graduating from Gering High School in 1964. After high school, Jim attended Chadron State College.

In 1966, he was united in marriage to Sandra Taylor and to this union three children were born, Todd, Tammy and Tara. He worked as a draftsman at B&C Steel, and an area manager for Kirby.

In 1970, he moved to Oshkosh where he worked as production manager for Midwec. He and a partner later formed McBell Industries and produced many fiberglass products. In later years, he was a partner in a plastics manufacturing business and a family business making golf cart tops. In 1987, Jim purchased the Garden County News in Oshkosh.

He was united in marriage to Teresa (Brown) Ardissono on June 29, 1988, in Oshkosh. With this marriage, Jim gained two more children, Chris and Amy. He continued to run the newspaper until his retirement and sold the business in 2008.

He enjoyed golfing, carpentry, gambling, playing cards, yard work and the Huskers. His greatest joy was to follow and attend his grandchildren's activities.

He was a member of the Oshkosh Eagles, Garden County Chamber of Commerce and served as President and was the Economic Development Chairman at the time of his death, Oshkosh Country Club, Oshkosh City Council, Tree Board, 20 year member of the Nebraska Press Association and an active member of the Oshkosh United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and mother-in-law, Bonna Merle Brown.

Jim is survived by his wife, Teresa of Oshkosh; children, Todd and wife, Christy McKeeman of North Platte, Nebraska, Tammy Unger and special friend, Paul Blume of Indianola, Nebraska, Chris and wife, Beth Ardissono of Bruning, Nebraska, Tara and husband, Sean Fries of Indianola, and Amy and husband, John Ragsdale of Alliance, Nebraska; brother, Michael "Skip" and wife, Manette McKeeman of Lincoln, Nebraska; sisters, Patricia Mendez of Indio, California, Marilyn Blythe of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Deanne and husband, Earl Henderson of Venice, Florida; father-in-law, Albert Brown of Lewellen, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Terry and wife, Leann Brown of Lewellen; 17 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are Thursday, 11 a.m., at the Oshkosh United Methodist Church with Pastor Ray Weinerman officiating. Interment will follow in Ash Creek Cemetery, north of Lewellen.

Visitation is today, 1-5 p.m., at the Holechek Funeral Home in Oshkosh.

Memorials may be given in his name to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Minneapolis, the United Methodist Church in Oshkosh, or the Oshkosh Country Club.

Family and friends may sign the guest book and leave condolences online at www.holechekfuneralhomes.com.

Holechek Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh is in charge of the arrangements.