Ryan C. Keogh

Atkinson — Ryan Charles Keogh, 43, of Atkinson, died Monday, May 16, 2022 in Bassett.

Visitation was held Friday, May 20, 2022 at the Atkinson Fire Hall in Atkinson with a prayer service.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the Faith Community Church in O'Neill. Pastor Paul Harder officiated. Music was provided by soloist Leighton Mlady.

Pallbearers were Chad and Scott Keogh, Jacque and Robert Anson, Doug Kracht and Nick Cohorst.

Honorary pallbearers were all of Ryan's family, friends and fellow firefighters and EMTs.

Burial was in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Atkinson.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson was in charge of the arrangements.

Ryan was born on Feb. 14, 1979 in Atkinson to Tom and Diane (Schaaf) Keogh. He attended St. Joseph's until eighth grade and then graduated from West Holt High School in Atkinson.  

He attended Northeast Community College in Norfolk and completed his associate of applied science degree in air conditioning certifying him in HVAC. He began an electrical apprenticeship under his father and later became a journeyman.  

Ryan was a jack-of-all trades and skilled in electrical, plumbing, heating and any crazy plan his wife imagined for him.

Ryan joined the Atkinson Fire Department in June of 2000. He had many accomplishments during these 22 years. Ryan helped design and build many of the fire trucks. In 2003, he completed his EMT-B training. He was awarded Fireman of the Year in 2004, 2005 and again in 2013. In January 2006, he completed his Fire Fighter One training. In 2021, Ryan also obtained his Red Card which certified that he had the training, experience and physical fitness to perform the task of a specified position on a wildland or a prescribed fire. Ryan held the office of lieutenant in 2004-2005. He was training/safety officer from 2005-2011. He was assistant chief from 2011-2014. From 2014-2019, Ryan humbly held the position of fire chief. At the time of his passing, Ryan held the assistant chief position. 

He was a member of the Atkinson Athletic Club, volunteered his time at the Youth Mentor Hunt and coached multiple sports.  

His love for the fire department was unmatched until he met Jacqueline Anita Anson in 2002. Ryan proposed on June 3, 2005 and they were then married on March 4, 2006. Together their “quiver was full.” It began with twin boys in August of 2007, Austin and Lane. Sadie Rose was the perfect addition to their family in January of 2010. Jacqueline really wanted five kids, so Ryan gave her a third and final opportunity. What do you know, they were gifted with another set of twin boys, Blake and Kaden in September of 2013. He was truly a beautiful example of what a husband and father should look like. He cherished both his wife and his kids above all.

Psalm 127:4-5 — Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. 

Ryan took to heart the scripture, “Husbands, love your wife.” Saying that Ryan was a perfect husband is an understatement. His love, admiration and commitment to his wife and family were unwavering. Every weekend you could find Ryan out with his family and involved with the community. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Ryan is survived by Jacqueline, his beautiful wife of 16 years; his five children Austin (14), Lane (14), Sadie (12), Blake (8) and Kaden (8); his parents Tom and Diane Keogh of Atkinson; two brothers Chad Keogh (fiancé Annie Hayes) of Omaha and Scott (Candy) Keogh of Atkinson; his father-in-law Robert L. Anson of Atkinson and Kim Forre  of Newman Grove; two sisters-in-law Jennifer (Nick) Cohorst of Omaha and Sarah (Doug) Kracht of Waterloo; two brothers-in-law Robert O. Anson (Gena) Bills and Jacque (Lacey) Anson, all of Atkinson; grandmother-in-law Anita Anson of Atkinson; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.  

He was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Mary Keogh and Charles and Elizabeth Schaaf; five uncles George, Carl, Larry, Ron and Ray Keogh; one aunt Lois Schaaf; one cousin Michael Keogh; grandparents-in-law Orland Anson, Richard and MaryAnn Osborne; and his mother-in-law RoseMary Anson.