Claude and Franke L. Hermes were married on 12 August 1995, by Claude’s father, Deacon Wesley Deane Keefer at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elmwood, IL.
Claude is survived by Franke and their four children : Nicole Miller of Bartonville, IL, Paul W. (Nakia) of Elmwood, IL, Michele S.(Joe) McClain of Elmwood, IL and Jean-Claude Keefer of Huntsville, TX; grandchildren, Christopher, Dylan, Faith, Emily, Pierce, Brynlee, Raelynn and Kadence ; siblings, Yvonne S. (Ken) Gibson, (Woodstock, IL), Marc G. (Mary) Keefer of (Bloomington, IL,). Claude was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister, Carol A. (Jim) Zotalis.
Claude graduated from Bradley University in 1976 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduating, Claude started work at Keystone Steel and Wire Co. in Bartonville IL. in the Steel Mill Instrumentation and Combustion Group. Claude started work at Caterpillar Inc. in January of 1979 at the Technical Center in the Engine Instrument Lab. He moved to the Peoria Proving Ground in the Vehicle Instrumentation Lab and then to the Vehicle Test Lead for the development of the large mining trucks. The last half of his career, Claude worked with Caterpillar Electronics Group testing leading edge GPS technology used in Mining and Construction until his retirement in April 2012.
Claude enjoyed building, working and fixing things as well as giving back to his beloved Elmwood High School. He was a current board member and volunteered in the school Ag Mechanics, Geometry Class, Lego League, Science Olympiad and sponsored Trojan Tool Day for 10 years, introducing the trades to the Sophomore Class preparing them for home ownership and possible trades employment. Claude and his siblings also enjoyed the gift of music passed on by their father, which he shared at church, Cursillo and Manna meals. Claude will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday 8 February 2023, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will follow from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday 9 February 2023, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Elmwood, IL. A funeral dinner will follow the service at the church. A private family burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Claude W. Keefer Industrial Arts Building at Elmwood High School and St. Mary’s School in Kickapoo.
To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.
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