To the Editor:With the passing of Dr. Robert Keitel, the world lost a good man, a loving person and an example which we could incorporate in our lives. He was a close personal friend and someone I admired both as an optometrist and as a loving father. When I came to Luverne 35 years ago, Bob was one of the first people I met. He wanted to know if there was anything I needed and if he could be of any assistance. From that time forth our association was that of help and trust. We were always colleagues never competitors. Bob was a man of many good virtues. He was friendly, hardworking, dependable, caring, patriotic, as well as always neat and well dressed. I don’t think he even owned a pair of jeans or a sweatshirt. His dedication to his family was a thing of beauty. His lovely wife, Betty, was the main benefactor of his dedication. She suffered from arthritis and required daily assistance. The children, Dayle, Bill, Lisa and Mary watched as Bob cared for her every need. They have learned the meaning of devotion by watching their father care for their mother. During Bob’s illness his children emulated his example. There was always at least one of his children by his side. You could see and feel the love they had for each other. This was their finest hours. Bob was a man of great faith. He faced the inevitable with courage and dignity. He, like his wife, never complained. He had his sense of humor and grateful attitude with him to the end. He was always so thankful of his many blessings. Bob did many good things in his life, but I will always remember him for his love and devotion to his family. May the Lord bless and keep him. George McDonald, O.D.Luverne
