Ralph M. Keil
October 12, 1931 ~ March 31, 2023
Born in:
Passaic, NJ
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Ralph M. Keil, 91, passed away Friday, March 31, 2023 at CarePartners Solace Center surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 12, 1931, in Passaic, NJ to the late Henry and Gertrude Buhrig Keil.
Ralph was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War serving in Europe and the Far East. He attended Stephens Institute and was a graduate of Teterboro School of Aeronautics.
The family relocated from Kinnelon, NJ to Asheville in 1965 where Ralph held several management positions before retiring as Staff Administrator with 39 years service with Kearfott Co, Black Mountain.
He and his wife Mary loved to travel and spent many months traveling in the US as well as Europe after his 1993 retirement. He and his family loved camping at the beach and he enjoyed his hobby working with HO Model trains.
Ralph was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and a member of the Basilica of St. Lawrence where he served as an usher for over 25 years.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary J. Keil and five children, Elaine Keil Metcalf and husband Earl, Mark Keil, Karen Keil Brown and husband Elbert (Buster), Susan Keil Dowd and husband Doug, and James Keil; grandchildren, Joshua Metcalf and wife Ashley, Sarah Wright and husband Dr. Wesley Wright, Christina Cottingham and husband, Daniel, Andrea Brown, Ashley Brown, Erika Houghtaling, Alex Houghtaling and wife Taylor and Elizabeth Nestler and husband Tanner; and great-grandchildren, Katie, Jack and Ben Metcalf, Kael, Cooper and Judah Wright and Nora Jane and Joseph Cottingham.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Very Rev. Fr. Roger Arnsparger at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, at the Basilica of St. Lawrence. Military honors will be provided by the US Air Force, Shaw Air Force Base. Burial will be later at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Memorials in Ralph’s memory may be made to the Restoration Fund of the Basilica of St. Lawrence, PO Box 8995, Asheville, NC 28814, or to Catholic Social Services, 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Mass: April 5, 2023 10:00 am
Basilica Of St. Lawrence, D.M.
Haywood Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252-6042
http://saintlawrencebasilica.org
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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You were our Rock ! Job well done!
Now enjoy your rest in heaven, unless the angels need some help. – ❤️
Love- from your daughter Karen
Such a kind and sweet man. We always enjoyed talking with him at church. God’s blessings and comfort to Mary and the family.
With sympathy,
Larry and Debbie Rowland
Love,
Anne and Richie McGlynn
Ralph was a great colleague at Kearfott and a wonderful neighbor. Very sorry for your loss.
The Keil family has always been an inspiration to us all. Sorry for your loss of your dad. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss Earl and Elaine! Praying the Lord gives you strength and peace during this time. Laura McSwain Firestone
Elaine & Earl, May God give you & your family grace during this time.. 🙏🏼
So very sorry for you loss. My heart goes out to you all. May God give you peace at this difficult time in your lives. God bless all.
Cathy Gosnell Blackwell Roberts
Elaine, Earl and family. So sorry for your loss, but wow…what a life well lived. Prayers for you all during this time and in the coming days.
Hugs and love,
Jake
Sincere sympathy to all your family. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Janet Carter Pamfilis
ACR Class of ’74
Mrs. Mary, Elaine, Ralph, Karen, Susan, and James, Sincere condolences to your entire family. Fond memories of your sweet family growing up as neighbors on Keasler Rd. Praying for God to comfort each of you during this difficult time.
Dear Keil family…my sincere condolences for your loss. I was out of the country and unable to attend the funeral. I have fond memories of the Keils and Lepores growing up together! Mr. Keil was always welcoming with his beautiful smile and easy laugh. I offer prayers for his eternal peace and your comfort.