Charles’s Story

Site created on May 29, 2020

Over the last year my father Chuck Keasling has been fighting a blood cancer called MDS.  Last summer Dad went to Omaha for a stem cell transplant.  The stem cells that he received were donated by his sister Carol Hakinson.  The transplant was successful and Dad spent 100 days in Omaha with many family and friends coming to visit and staying with him.  He returned home to Aurora in October and began to get back to work at Grosshans International were he has worked since his teens.


In April, Dad contracted a blood infection and was checked into UNMC.  After a heavy round of antibiotics it appeared that Dad would get to return home.  On the day that he was supposed to be discharged the Doctors found an infection on his leg.  After several rounds of antibiotics and surgeries it was determined Wednesday that the infection had spread to his bloodstream and was so infused in the tissue that there was nothing more the Doctors could do for Dad.  


It is with a very heavy heart that I write that dad will be returning to Aurora Memorial Hospital on Friday evening May 29th under hospice care.  With the current COVID-19 situation my Mom (Nancy) and I wanted to create a page where people could share comments and stories about Dad.  Dad is very attentive and is in no pain.  Mom and I would like to share your comments and stories with Dad.  Dad will spend his remaining days in Aurora surrounded by close family and friends who love him, exactly the way he wants it to be.  We thank you for all of your prayers and your messages.  Dad has enjoyed hearing each and every one of them.

Newest Update

June 7, 2020

Journal entry by Derek Keasling —

With great sadness, my mother (Nancy) and I (Derek) announce the loss of my father, Chuck.  Dad passed away peacefully at Aurora Memorial Hospital in Aurora on June 7th at 1:20 a.m.  Mom and I would like to thank everyone for all your wonderful thoughts, prayers, and stories during this difficult time.  We want everyone to know that Dad was at peace and was very comfortable.  He was able to visit with many close family and friends before his passing which is exactly how he wanted it.  

I also want to thank my mother for showing me what it means to love through sickness and in health, til death do us part.  Marriage is not always easy but my mother's love for my father was never hard. The last few years have been very difficult on the two of them and she was there with him every step of the way. 

Mom and I are at peace as we know Dad is spending his retirement in Heaven with many close family and friends that went before him.  Due to the current CDC restrictions, we will be having a private family service at Aurora Cemetery to celebrate Dad's life with a public celebration of life to take place after the CDC restrictions have been lifted.

Again, thank you to everyone for all your support.
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