John H. Keip age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 16, 2015 at Columbus Community Hospital surrounded by his loving family. John was born on August 22, 1925 in Columbus, Wisconsin, the son of Emil and Anna (Reideman) Keip. On September 29, 1951 he married his sweetheart, Elaine Drzonek at St. Peter Catholic Church, Beaver Dam. John was quite the story teller. He loved to tell stories of his days growing up on the farm. He told how his dad, Emil hated the idea of replacing the work horses, Maude and Tom, with a tractor for field work. He was so proud of his picture book of old photos and clippings, and loved to share it with anyone. He so enjoyed his John Deere tractors, which he called his "putt-putts", growing and harvesting many crops on the 80-acre dairy farm that he grew up on and loved so dearly. In his later years, he enjoyed carving wooden toys for the kids and grand-kids in the old milk house. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially birthday get-togethers. When it came time for cake and ice cream, he would always say, "Don't be so tight . . give me a piece, not a slice and don't forget to add a couple "Snaps" of ice cream". Some of his favorite treats were orange slices, peanut brittle, double mint gum and root beer floats. He was a man of gentleness, honesty, patience and lots of love. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. John is survived by his seven children, Tom (Linda) of Kinta Oklahoma and their daughter, Angela (Joe) and their two children, Felicity and Trevor; Diane (Steve) Hebel of Arlington; Dave (Julie) of Stoughton and their two children, Jenny (Kevin) Julseth and their children, Nolan, Haley and Harper; and Jason (Amber) and their daughter Eliza; Joe (Erica) of Cambria and their two sons, Cody and Jacob; Rita (James) Ziebarth of Rosendale and their three children, Rachel, Jenna and Ryan; Greg (Veronica) of Pardeeville and their daughter, Claire; Bob (Jill) of Marshall and their three children, Lindsey (Ryan) and their son Bowie, Christian and Nora; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Mary; wife, Elaine on August 16, 2015; four brothers and four sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 A.M., with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M., on Friday, November 20, 2015 at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, East Bristol. Rev. Vincent Brewer officiated. Interment was in the church cemetery. We love you always and you're forever in our hearts.