Obituary of Robert P. Keating

Robert P. "Bob" Keating, 85, former Chief of the Iowa City Fire Department died peacefully at his home Friday, April 26, 2013, surrounded by his family under the compassionate care of Iowa City Hospice. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Iowa City, where visitation will be held on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. and again one hour prior to the services on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established to support a number of causes important to Bob and his family. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Robert Peter Keating was born September 1, 1927, in rural Iowa City, the son of Peter and Loretta (Rogers) Keating. He attended St. Patrick Catholic elementary and high school in Iowa City, graduating in 1947. Bob joined the Army National Guard that same year, then during the Korean War honorably served his country with the 2nd Infantry Division, United States Army. Waiting for him upon his return home was Mary Margaret Patterson, whom he met, courted and proposed to all within a two week period in September, 1950. They were married May 24, 1952, embarking on a love story of nearly 61 years, a story founded on the virtues of faith and family. Bob was a lifelong resident of Iowa City. He joined the Iowa City Fire Department in 1956, becoming Chief in Dec. 1972 and retiring from the department in 1986. He was a faithful member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and acted as Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. But while some people go through life receiving honors and recognition for their accomplishments, Bob preferred to serve unnoticed. He found the highest honor simply in being a good husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, friend and child of God. His quiet strength, exemplary faith and unwavering sense of right will forever be an inspiration. While we mourn his passing, even more, we celebrate his life. "Your cause for sorrow must not be measured by his worth for then it hath no end" Bob is survived by his devoted wife, "Maggie"; his ten children and their spouses, Kate Varcoe (Steve) of Cedar Rapids; Mike Keating (Martha) of Iowa City; Brian Keating (Bobbi) of Iowa City; Kevin Keating (Janet) of Iowa City; Diana Besler (Mark) of Iowa City; Dan Keating (Sheila) of Iowa City; Sharon Romans (Chuck) of North Liberty; Tom Keating (Shelly) of Iowa City; Bill Keating (Jodi) of Iowa City; and Connie Tucker (Brad) of Cedar Rapids; 28 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Eileen Foughty and Mary Melton; and brother, Cletus Keating (Judy) all of Iowa City. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 granddaughter, Sara; and 3 sisters. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Bob's family and his services.