Glen Allen Keksi

GLEN ALLEN KEKSI September 19, 1935 ~ February 14, 2016 Glen Keksi passed from this world after a long battle with cancer and COPD. He had been suffering for many years with COPD and tired of the battle. Glen always said when he built the new house that the only way he would leave that house would be feet first, and he got his wish. He was born in Menhaga, MN and was the second of four children of Clarence and Olga Keksi. They moved to Hockinson, WA during WWII, and Glen graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1953. Glen enlisted in the army in 1954 and served his country as a cryptographer, stationed in Washington, DC until 1957. He kept the cryptographer's oath of silence and never spoke of the messages he deciphered. Glen met Edna Salek in DC, fell in love, and they were married on June 27, 1959 in Milwaukee. Together they had four children. After one long winter in Wisconsin with record snowfall, they moved to Vancouver, WA, because "You didn't have to shovel rain.", but it meant he had to sell his beloved '56 Chevy convertible for the trip. Glen worked as an engineer for Pacific Power and Light traveling back and forth to Wyoming. After retiring in 1990, he worked as a construction inspector for 3 years. Glen was an active man, loving to fish, build with his hands, boat, and camp with his family and friends. Summers were also spent with sister, Joyce and husband, Jay Mitcham's family, in Netarts, OR, crabbing and fishing. Lots of fun memorable times were made with his extended family. When older, his dream of fishing in Alaska came true when his son Chris took him to Homer to fish Halibut and to Nushagak River to fish Chinook in 1999. His yard was impeccable and Glen took a lot of pride and satisfaction in its care. He could fix anything. Glen always enjoyed his grandchildren's visits from Texas. They were a source of entertainment plus valuable help in his older years. The boys would intentionally grow their hair long because they knew their grandpa would take them for a haircut. Elizabeth's travels and adventures were a source of great interest. Glen is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Edna; daughters, Lydia Keksi, Beth (Devin) Woolsey; sons, Chris (Debby) and John (Francie) Keksi; and three wonderful grandchildren, Elizabeth, Casey, and Brian. Glen loved his wife, his girls, his sons, and grandkids, and his presence will be sadly missed. A Mass will be held at St. Philip Catholic Church, Woodland, WA, Sat., Feb. 20th at 11:00 a.m. The Rosary will be held at 10:15 a.m., and after the Mass, there will be a luncheon in the church hall. Donations in Glen's name may be made to St. Philip Catholic Church, Kaiser Hospice, or a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Glen Allen Keksi

September 19, 1935 - February 14, 2016