Norman L. "Norm" Mckeown

Norman "Norm" Lawson McKeown, 61, of Galesburg, IL, died 1:40 P.M. Saturday, April 21, 2012 at his home after a year long battle with cancer.

Norm was born in Michigan on September 11, 1950 the son of Donald and June (Potts) McKeown. He graduated from Alexis High School in 1968. He was a proud veteran and patriot, having served two tours in Vietnam with the United States Navy. He later joined the US Army Reserves after returning home from Vietnam.

Norm married Deborah Stivers in 1969. He later married Lori Lynch in 1975.

Norm worked for the railroad, the Monmouth Police Department, was a welder at Butler manufacturing, was a detective for the Knox County Sheriff's Department and worked for the United Parcel Service until he retired in 2006, after which he did work in lawn mower maintenance and contracting. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery, throwing darts attending Bears and Cubs games and riding his motorcycle. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his long time partner, companion and caregiver, Johanna Martinson, who stood faithfully by his side in both good and difficult times, along with their beloved dog, Cheech. He is also survived by his four sons, Sean McKeown of Racine, WI, Jeffrey (Meredith) McKeown of Franksville, WI, Eric McKeown of Plymouth, ME and Cory McKeown of Galesburg, IL; one daughter, Carey (Nathaniel) Feltmeyer of North Henderson, IL. He is also survived by Johanna's daughters with whom he had a special relationship, Jessica (John) Kuelper of Rio, Molly (Matthew) Martinson of Prophetstown and Emily Martinson of Galesburg; four brothers, Richard (Linda) McKeown of Alexis, Brian (Carol) McKeown of Dousman, WI, Pat (Suz) McKeown of Oquawka, Colin (Natalie) McKeown of LaCrosse, WI.; sister, Kelly (Mike) Fox of North Henderson, IL,; grandchildren, Jack and Caleb Emert-McKeown, Reagan and Georgia McKeown, Lauren and Emma Feltmeyer, Lily Bradford, Ethan, Clara, Isabella and Lucy Kuelper; aunts, uncles, several nieces and nephews, Johanna's father, Ray Ziegler and his close and loyal friend, Dan Zefo.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Wed. April 25, 2012 at Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Alexis. Cremation will take place following the services with a private family committal in Alexis Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call Wednesday at Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Alexis where his family will be present one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Guardian Angels or the Knox County Humane Society. Online condolences may be left at www.hooverhall.com