Irving G. Keefer

Carthage - Irving G. Keefer, 90, of Deer River Road passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29th, 2024, while at Carthage Area Hospital with his loving wife by his side.

Per his wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, at Riverside Cemetery in Copenhagen, where Irving will be laid to rest alongside his son.

Irving was born on April 9th, 1934 to the late Adam and Nellie Keefer. He attended school in Copenhagen but left early to attend to his responsibilities on his family’s farm.

Irving dedicated two years to serving in the United States Army, spending most of those two years in Germany before he was honorably discharged. Following his discharge, Irving married Marilyn Thomas on September 6th, 1958 at the Union Church in West Carthage. His experience on his family farm led him to start his own farm, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1990. 

He enjoyed raising his animals on the farm, all of whom he loved to spend time with. He also enjoyed tinkering with his tools in his workshop and loved to tend to his gardens.

Irving is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marilyn (Thomas) Keefer; his children, Brenda Keefer of Carthage, Brian (Diane) Keefer of North Carolina, Brad Keefer of New Jersey, Burt (Robin) Keefer of Watertown; his siblings, Larry Keefer of Lowville, Raymond (Linda) Keefer of Copenhagen, Bernard Keefer of Watertown, Richard Keefer of Watertown, Harold Keefer of Lowville, Shirley (Lyle) Jantzi of Adams; nine grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Irving is predeceased by his parents, Adam and Nellie; a son, Bruce Keefer who passed in 1982; a sister, Katherine Keefer; his brothers, Louis Keefer, and Alvin Keefer Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vem-Food Pantry in Carthage.

Arrangements are with the Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. located at 500 State Street in Carthage, NY 13619. To sign the online guestbook and leave a message of sympathy for James’s family please visit www.lundyfuneralhome.com