Everett Dewayne Mckeown

Everett (Ev) DeWayne McKeown 82 passed away 9/5/2023 surrounded by his family. Ev was born in Morning Sun Iowa, 5/31/1941 to Ralph and Mildred McKeown. He is survived by his two sisters Fran Tillmann and Marilyn Carhoff, his wife of 58 years, Mary and two sons Mark (Tori) of Sun Prairie and Matt (Linda Perez) of Cedarburg and two grandchildren; Frida and Jack of Elkhart Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Mildred and 2 sisters Lois Parkhurst and Helen Yaeger.

Ev lived in the small community of Morning Sun Iowa through high school. Always a worker: he went to work with his father doing remodeling as young as 3rd grade. He also worked with the local farmers on hay bailing jobs in the summer, working with the local vet in 6th grade on weekends. After graduation he worked at the local Gypsum plant while pursuing an associate degree from Burlington College. He was then employed at J I Case company for 31 years as a Technical Writer. This employment involved moves to Terre Haute IN and Wausau WI. He retired from Case and found work with Rockwell International in Oshkosh and completed his work career after 13 years in the same location, with many name changes.

Ev discovered his love for photography after high school and was behind the camera capturing all kinds of pictures. Many photos of his children, wife, other family members and friends were always his favorite subjects. He served as the official photographer at the Elks Lodge in Terre Haute Indiana as a new member.

Another big part of Ev’s life was with the Elks having been an Exalted ruler for a short time in Terre Haute IN prior to being transferred to Wausau, WI where he also became Exalted Ruler again. He also served as an officer in various positions with the Elks but mostly in the Esquire position which he loved. Ev also served on many committees during his 46 years as a dedicated Elk.

A celebration of life will be held at the Oshkosh Elks Lodge 292; 175 W Fernau Ave. Oshkosh WI 1-4 pm September 30, 2023. Visitation will be from 1-3 followed by a short service and the Elks memorial service will be at 3:30.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Elks National Foundation can be submitted to Elks Lodge 292, P O Bos 942 Oshkosh WI 54903. Please add Everett McKeown in the memo line of the check.