Florence I. Keil, age 91 of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 12, 2012 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Florence was born on May 31, 1921 in the Town of Trenton to George and Esther (nee Port) Birkholz. On June 25, 1938 she was united in marriage to Frederick Keil in the Town of Trenton. Florence worked as a school cook at Trenton Elementary School for almost 30 years. For many years she farmed side by side with her husband in the Town of Trenton until they moved to Beaver Dam in 1988. She was an excellent cook and made the best apple pie and chocolate cake. She always made sure she had enough cookies for everybody. Florence also did embroidery, making sure that her children and grandchildren all had some of her work. She instilled values and a strong work ethic in her children and grandchildren and set an excellent example for all of them to follow. Florence was a member of First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam where she was active in Ladies Aid and Retirees. She also was a member of the Trenton Homemakers and a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Florence is survived by her children, Marlene (Jerry) Zuelke of Wisconsin Rapids, David (Sharon) Keil of Beaver Dam, Robert (Mary) Keil of Sycamore, IL, Margaret (Donald) Schweiger of Beaver Dam, Marcia Eckmayer of Beaver Dam; grandchildren, Kurt, Craig and Karl Zuelke, Janet Arndt, Karen Gibson, Wayne Keil, Julie Munsie, Janelle Yacko, Amy Fouts, Sara Frank, Kay Derr, Brenda Eckmayer, Laura Rechek, John K. Eckmayer; 20 great-grandchildren; her sister, Janice Falkinham of Beaver Dam and two sisters-in-law, Jean Birkholz of Watertown and Marion Kuehn of Columbus. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frederick Keil on May 15, 2004, son-in-law, John S. Eckmayer, four brothers, Elroy, Clarence, Merlin, Elton Birkholz, a sister, Theone Klug and a sister-in-law Ellen Birkholz.

A Funeral Service for Florence will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. at First Ev. Lutheran Church, 311 W. Mackie St. in Beaver Dam with Rev. Mark Jensen officiating. Visitation will also take place on Wednesday at the Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens in the Town of Trenton and a luncheon will follow at the Church. Memorials may be directed to First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Beaver Dam, Hillside Manor and Hillside Hospice for the loving care shown to Florence during her stay. Also a special thank you to Rev. Mark Jensen and Rev. Dr. Mark Molldrem.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.