Joseph Keiger

Joseph Keiger, age 88, of Decorah, IA died on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. Joe was born and raised on his family’s dairy farm in Tobaccoville, NC. Following graduation from King High School in King, NC, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. Joe joined the US Air Force during the Korean conflict, attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and completing his service at the Pentagon. Following his honorable discharge in 1956, he spent the rest of his career as a computer systems analyst with the Defense Communications Agency in Arlington, VA. Joe retired in 1984, and was active pursuing a wide variety of interests with numerous organizations. Joe felt a very strong kinship with the natural world. He was a committed conservationist and maintained memberships with numerous conservation organizations, including the Nature Conservancy. He was recognized for Stewardship of its Fraser Preserve in Great Falls, VA, 1981-2006. He enjoyed hiking, and was a long-time member of the Appalachian Trail Conference. He was an avid gardener. Friends, family and neighbors alike looked forward every summer to a wide range of vegetables, fruits and flowers from his bountiful garden. He also volunteered as a tour guide at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, DC. A lifelong learner, Joe was an avid reader tirelessly consuming books on a wide variety of topics. He was a devotee of the news and religiously kept up with current affairs. This interest led him to volunteer for many years as a tour guide at the Newseum, starting when it first opened at its original location near his home in Rosslyn, VA. When the National Building Museum opened in Washington, DC, in 1985, it appealed to his interest in architecture and urban planning so he volunteered there as well. He gave tours on a nearly weekly basis for 25 years. He was also active in civic affairs, participating in the North Highlands Citizen’s Association, and serving on a panel that helped in the planning of the development of the Rosslyn/Ballston corridor in Arlington, VA as the DC Metrorail system expanded into northern Virginia. He and his wife Bettie regularly served as poll workers in Arlington, Virginia. Joe and Bettie shared a number of interests including classical music and travel. They were active, longtime members of the Northern Virginia Philharmonic Association, formerly the Arlington Symphony Association. In addition to enjoying numerous concerts and other performances in the DC area on a regular basis, he also accumulated an extensive collection of classical recordings. Travel was another interest they shared. In addition to numerous trips around the United States including many to National Parks, he also traveled to many parts of the world. Some international trips included visits to Turkey, South Africa, many points in Europe and multiple trips to Latin America including Peru, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Mexico. He maintained membership with the National Association of Rail Passengers and the Smithsonian Associates. At times, Joe was an enigma. He had a reserved personality, but was friendly to all. He followed his own path, and lived a full life as he saw fit regardless of social convention. Some of his interests, few knew anything about. For instance, he had a strong interest in magic, kept a chest full of magic tricks, and was a member on the Society of American Magicians. In living his life his own way, he quietly left an indelible mark in the lives of those he leaves behind. In 2011, Joe moved to Decorah, Iowa, to spend his sunset years near his daughter, Martha, and her family, where he continued to pursue his many interests as he was able. A memorial ceremony will be held this spring in northern Virginia. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Nature Conservancy or Hospice of Northern Virginia. Joseph is survived by his daughter: Martha (James) Griesheimer, Decorah, IA. Son: Karl (Michelle Malbrough) Keiger, Covington, LA. Five grandchildren: Virginia, John and Lucas Griesheimer; Sebastien Malbrough and Melina Keiger. Sisters-in-law: Kathryn (James) Dillon, Winchester, VA; Clara Jean (David Riddle) Hughes, Clarksville, MD; Edith Keiger, Tobaccoville, NC. Nieces and nephews: Steve (Peggy) Keiger, Winston-Salem, NC; Patricia Keiger, Tobaccoville, NC; Weldon (Cindy) Keiger, Tobaccoville, NC; Beth (Steve) Carroll, King, NC; Susan Keiger, King, NC; Jane Keiger, King, NC. Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth in 2002. Parents: Numa Fletcher and Martha Lenora (Tuttle) Keiger. Brothers: Robert (Kate) Keiger, Wendell Keiger, James Wesley (Anna) Keiger, Numa Fletcher (Betty) Keiger. Nephew: Barton Keiger. Father and mother-in-law: Harry and Gertrude Hughes.