Obituary of Donald J. Keilen

DONALD J. KEILEN

LATHAM – Donald John Keilen, 83 of Latham, passed away Friday, December 6th, 2024 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy with his family at his side.

Born May 21,1941, Donald was the son of Dorothy (Schaf) Keilen and John N. Keilen. He was part of the first graduating class of Shaker High School in Latham where he met his lifelong friend Judy Dow. He went on to serve honorably in the US Air Force and started an auto repair shop in California before returning to Latham.

Don started working in the family business Keilen's Body Shop Inc. when he was 12 years old. Here he met his best friend Moe Dalheim. Between the two of them they could make anything move and always had fun with their adventures together. Don worked hard to build the business and enjoyed a successful career both in the Body Shop and later Keilen's Remodeling after he "retired". Don was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge of anything with an engine and could always think outside the box to create beautiful woodworking projects. Don was proud to be a father figure and mentor to many close friends and was always happy when they came to visit or to help him with his many projects. We are privileged to include these people as part of our family.

Don wintered in Florida where he met his good friend Paul with whom he could work on vehicles and explore all of the truck, car shows and meets throughout the state. He was lucky to meet the son he always wanted, John Hostinsky. Together they were always doing projects, helping each other and enjoying every minute of their time together. We will be forever indebted to John and his family. Don looked forward to his daily walks with his good friends Wayne and Jon and the rest of the walking crew. He was always regaling us with stories of their adventures together.

Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered his time with them both in Latham and Spring Hill, Fl. He was a life long member of the Elks Lodge as well as a member of numerous car, truck and train clubs.

Don is survived by his daughter Dana, his grandchildren Spencer Keilen-Yu and Alaina Keilen-Yu as well as his nephews Jonathan Mooney and Jeffrey Keilen.

In addition to his late parents, he is pre deceased by his wife Carol Tomczak Keilen, son in law Michael Yu and his siblings Judy, Jackie, Mark and Arlene.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral prayer service at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, 10:00 AM with Reverend Geoffrey Burke, officiant. Interment with military honors at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

Contributions in Don's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or the Mohawk Hudson Humane society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204.

For further information or to leave a condolence message for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.