John David Keltner, 95, a resident of Grand Court, as well as a longtime resident of Lake Fairways Golf Community in North Fort Myers, Fla., and formerly of Rockford, Ill., passed away peacefully on Sept. 13, 2011, at HealthPark Hope Hospice.

John was born on Oct. 15, 1915, in Dekalb, Ill., to Charles Henry and Lillie Elsie Keltner. He attended high school in Rockford, Ill., and following high school he married his high school sweetheart, Lucille Gardner. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army serving overseas in the Army Signal Corps during WWII. After his discharge from the Army, John initially worked for Bruce Offset Printers and then Magnuson Industries until his retirement from Magnuson Industries in 1990. Both John and Lu, and their two daughters, were members of the Second Congregational Church in Rockford, Ill.

Throughout his life, John was active in many community organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and also an active member of the Kiwanis Club. He was an avid golfer and contributed to the Lake Fairways Golf Club and their Homeowners Association.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Katherine; and his four brothers – Ralph, Dick, Paul, and George. John is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lucille; daughters, Doreen Richter (Tom) of Washington Park, N.C., and Joanne Long (Richard) of Rochester, Minn.; grandchildren, Lyndsay Richter of Charlotte, N.C., Jay Richter of Washington Park, N.C., and Mary Rush (Kelly), Patty Scallon and Mike Scallon of West Des Moines, Iowa; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

John will be remembered for his warm and friendly smile, his dedicated work ethic, honesty, willingness to help others, and his love for his family and friends.

A private service will be held by his immediate family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in the Keltner name may be directed to Beaufort County Community College Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 1069, Washington, NC 27889) or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.nationalcremation.com or sent to Lucille’s attention at National Cremation & Burial Society, 3453 Hancock Bridge Pkwy, N Ft Myers, FL 33903.