Wayne Boltz

George Wayne Boltz, 98, of Keokuk died Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, IA

Wayne Boltz was born in Ewing, Missouri, on January 25th, 1928. He was the son of Oval D. Boltz and Cena M. Boltz. In 1939, he moved to Keokuk, Iowa, where he graduated from Keokuk Senior High School in 1945.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1947 aboard the USS North Carolina.

After his honorable service in the Navy, Wayne built a long career at Sheller Globe, where he worked for 44 years.

In 1949, Wayne married Maxine R. Davis, beginning a new chapter of his life. From this union, they had two sons, Ronald (Bonnie) Boltz of Lancaster, MO, and David (Jennifer) Boltz of Dallas, TX. Maxine passed away in 1969.

Wayne later married Dalene Grabau Kettering in 1970. Wayne became a Father to Susan (Dennis) Beckwith of Ankeny, IA; Jim Kettering of Keokuk, IA; Lisa (Rick) Klein of Hiawatha, IA; and Tom (Kristan) Kettering of Olathe, KS. Dalene passed away in 2021.

Through these blended families, Wayne was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Wayne was also preceded in death by his brothers Roy, John, and Robert Boltz, and two sisters, Donna Clark and Louise Freesmeier, and his grandson, Tucker Ramsay. He is survived by his sister Carol Rose.

Wayne accepted his savior, Jesus Christ, at an early age during a service at his childhood church in Canton, MO. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Keokuk, IA. He found great comfort in old Hymns such as "Amazing Grace," "The Old Rugged Cross," and "In the Garden."

Throughout his life, Wayne would always say that his greatest blessings were the family he and Dalene blended, the many loved sons and daughters-in-law, and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wayne enjoyed country music, hunting, fishing, traveling, and playing cards with family and friends. He also cherished meeting his siblings for coffee or a meal whenever they had the chance. At his core, he lived by a simple truth: being honest with yourself and being honest with God.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12 noon to 1 p.m., Friday, April 24 at the First Christian Church in Keokuk with funeral services immediately following at 1 p.m. with Rev. David Turner officiating.

Burial with military rites will be held at the Keokuk National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Christian Church at 3476 Main Street in Keokuk, IA.