Stafford J. Keer

Stafford Joseph Keer, aged 95, died peacefully on June 22, 2024 at his home in Lansdale, PA after a brief illness. Stafford was an incredibly smart, quirky, and sometimes complicated man. He made his own way in life and in his 95 years saw so much and embraced change more than most of his generation. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and, of course, his large immediate and extended family.

Stafford is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jean (Fredholm); children, Beth (Mark Riley), Karen Shegda (George), Christopher, Timothy (Clara, deceased), Richard (Kristina), and Edward (Kristine); daughter-in-law, Peggy; and brothers, Donald (Jeanne, deceased) Keer and Gerald (Helen) Keer. He is preceded in death by his son, Joseph, of Souderton, PA. Grandfather to Gur Keer (Crystal Barr) John Keer (Stephanie), Emily Keer, Caitlin Shegda, Allison Shegda, Charlotte Keer, Adrienne Keer, Frances Keer, TJ Keer (Courtney), Nicole Keer (Jonathan Lake), Alexander Keer, Samantha Keer, Maxwell Keer and Nora Keer. Great-grandfather to Samuel Dugan, Penny Dugan, Eva Keer, Everett Keer, Charles Keer, Sullivan Keer, Oliver Keer, Alyvia Lake and Madisyn Lake and T. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins.

He was born on May 18,1929 in Philadelphia, PA to Stafford C. and Florence (McMenamin) Keer. Stafford graduated from West Catholic High School in 1947.  Stafford attended Cornell University, leaving after freshman year to support his family. He enlisted in the Navy in 1950 and was sent to the Naval Training School in Great Lakes, IL to complete electronics training. While there, he met Jean Fredholm of Mundelein IL. They were married in 1952. Stafford spent 4 years in the US Navy stationed in New London, CT serving aboard the USS Fulton and USS Sunbird.

After his service in the Navy, the young couple returned to Philadelphia where he finished his degree in electrical engineering at Drexel University. The couple eventually moved to their home in Blue Bell, PA where they raised 7 children and hosted 3 international exchange students from Sweden and Denmark.

Stafford worked for General Electric in their aerospace division as a technician and later Systems test engineer. His career there spanned over 30 years and he worked on multiple satellite projects, including Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO), the Landsat program, and Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS). He retired from GE in December 1991.

Stafford was passionate about a great many things, including genealogy, history, his Irish and Danish heritage, aerospace, and all things Philadelphia, especially the Mummers, Ellis Coffee, the Phillies (though he was an A's fan before they left the city) and the Eagles. He loved to play tour guide any time friends or extended family visited Philadelphia and he was a great story teller. An avid reader, world traveler, and chess player, he often indulged in deciphering his family tree and those of his extended family members.

Stafford was also very civic-minded. He was extremely proud of his service to our nation as a member of the NROTC and later as a naval sailor. He was a former scoutmaster of Center Square Troop 480 and involved in the local Democratic Party. Prior to moving to Dock Woods, he was an active member of the Danish Brotherhood Viking Lodge #342 and the Rebild Society.

Stafford was lucky to have lived a full and long life. He will always be remembered for his immense knowledge and memories. Visitation and a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Derstine Chapel, on Woods Drive, Dock Woods, Lansdale, PA 19446. Family and friends may pay their respects that morning from 10 to 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. in the chapel with a lunch to follow in the Dock Manor Community Room. He will be interred at Washington Crossing National Cemetery (Bucks County) in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Stafford's name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ( www.nationalmssociety.org ), Association for Autism and Neurodiversity ( www.aane.org ), or the Living Branches Benevolent Care Fund ( www.livingbranches.org ). Stafford's family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Dock Woods (Living Branches), where he resided, and Caring Hospice for ensuring his care and comfort in his final days.