Helen Keeler

Helen Meike Keeler died June 6, 2016 at Wyoming Medical Center as a result of a stroke she suffered on May 14, 2016.

Helen was born July 21, 1946 to Naomi and Peter Meike. She was 9 years younger than her closest sibling, so her dad often referred to her as "the second cutting." The youngest of five children, many of her friends and family called her "Honey." She grew up on the family ranch in Sussex, WY and attended high school in Buffalo, WY. Helen studied Education at the University of Wyoming, Class of '68. She joined Alpha Chi Omega sorority, where she served as President her senior year. Her sisters there became cherished, lifelong friends. She had an adventurous spirit and travelled extensively as a young, single woman. In 1968 she was an IFYE delegate to Greece and in 1970 she toured Europe with three girlfriends. Upon graduation, she taught elementary school for several years in both Lucerne and in Newcastle, WY.

On June 12, 1972 Helen married Jerry, her best friend and the love of her life. That day she also welcomed Jerry's daughter, Lisa, into her heart. Together, Jerry and Helen had a son, Lucas, and a daughter, Kasey. The family made their home in Newcastle until 2013, at which time Helen and Jerry moved to Casper to be closer to their grandkids. Helen was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her focus was on caring for her family, watching them grow and encouraging them in their pursuits.

She and Jerry loved to travel, and had begun to spend their winters "down south." Some of their favorite travel destinations together included Alaska, Hawaii, Quebec, Grand Canyon, and her favorite, Death Valley. No matter where they were, they enjoyed daily walks together.

Helen was a dedicated volunteer and believed in using her skills to better her community and help others. While living in Newcastle she was an election judge, a Weston County School Board member, and a volunteer with the Weston County Community Concert Association, Weston County Fair, and 4-H program. She cheered on local athletes at track meets, wrestling matches, and basketball games long after her children were through school.

Helen loved to sew and was an expert seamstress; the clothes and blankets she made as gifts are cherished by the family and friends who received them. She was a natural and gifted teacher, and was always happy to share her knowledge and passion with others. She enjoyed gardening and grew beautiful roses, irises and peonies. She loved music, reading, fishing, and spending time with her family. She was extremely smart and had an excellent memory. Her friends and family knew that they could "go ask Helen" if they had a question they couldn't answer or a problem they couldn't solve…because Helen could! More than anything else, she loved being a grandmother and watching Jerry being a grandfather. She was funny, generous, clever, talented and humble.

Helen is survived by her beloved husband of 44 years, Jerry, son Lucas (Sara) Keeler of Casper, daughters Kasey Keeler of Newcastle and Lisa Keeler of Sussex, grandchildren Peter Keeler and Alice Keeler of Casper, brothers Don Meike and Pete Meike of Sussex, sister Emmy (Ken) Koch of Sussex, brother-in-law Neil Wolcott of Buffalo, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Naomi and Peter Meike and her sister Barb Wolcott.

Cremation has taken place and no services will be held, per Helen's wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 927, Newcastle WY, 82701.

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