Obituaries
Rev. Rudolf J. S. Keyl, 90
March 23, 2021
The Rev. Rudolf Joseph Stephanus Keyl, Jr., of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, died on March 23, 2021, of injuries suffered in a fall. He was 90 years old. He served Lutheran congregations in Angola, New York; Vestal, New York; Groton, Connecticut; and Basking Ridge, New Jersey. In retirement he performed pastoral duties to assist presiding clergy in Winchester, Virginia, and Lititz, Pennsylvania.
Pastor Keyl was born in Paterson, New Jersey, to the Rev. Rudolf J. S. Keyl, Sr., and Ida Viola Keyl. He prepared for theological study at Concordia Collegiate Institute in Bronxville, New York, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bloomfield College in Bloomfield, New Jersey. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois (now Fort Wayne, Indiana), and a Master of Arts in Theology Degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Ordained a pastor by his father, he was the fifth generation in a line of Lutheran pastors directly descended from one of the founders of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. He held a number of offices in the Atlantic, Eastern, New England, and New Jersey Districts of that denomination.
In his student days Pastor Keyl played cornet and trumpet in jazz bands. He was an expert magician, performing illusions for paying audiences as a college and seminary student and at birthday parties for his children and grandchildren. He was a voracious reader, with a lifelong interest in American history, and an enthusiastic rooter for the Boston Red Sox and New York Giants. He was devoted to his family, his friends, and his ministry.
Pastor Keyl was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Barbara Ann Keyl, née Hoffmeier. He is survived by a sister, Barbara Viola Keyl; by his children, Stephen Mark Keyl, Deborah Keyl D’Addario, and the Rev. Timothy John Keyl; and by six grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Mt. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Interment will take place in Winchester, Virginia. Memorial donations may be made to the Hoffmeier/Keyl Church Music Endowment at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 26 W. Boscawen Street, Winchester, VA 22601.
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Condolences to the Family
July 14, 2021
Pastor Keyl was a wonderful shepherd, who welcomed me into his last NJ congregation and also baptized my child. We will always remember the love we received from him and his dear wife, Barbara.
Christy Ndem
June 23, 2021
I have just learned of Pastor Keyl’s passing. I was a child and pre-teen in his congregation in Vestal, NY, and I’m almost 68 now, but I have always remembered him as a wonderful pastor and person. My sympathy to his family.
Susan R Mattice
March 31, 2021
On April 9th, 31 years ago Pastor Keyl married our daughter, Susan Kortmann to Gregory Friess at the Somerset Hills Lutheran Church. A happy day for us all. We were pleased that Pastor Keyl and his wife were able to come to their wedding reception. A wonderful couple enjoying a life experience with one of their Church family.
Anja & Richard Kortmann
March 30, 2021
I have many fond memories of Pastor Keyl serving as a guide and influence as a traveled through my faith journey. I made my confirmation while at Somerset Hills Lutheran Church. Many years later Pastor Keyl married my husband and I, and then baptized our two girls.
My condolences to the family at the loss of their father, grandfather, etc.
March 29, 2021
I have many fond memories of Uncle Rudy going back to his days in Vestal and Angola and include playing golf with him in Summit, N.J. I am forever grateful that he has been a part of my life, directly and indirectly through my mother. As I told Tim, his faith is a large part of the foundation of my faith. He will be sorely missed but is now in heaven with his savior Jesus and those he loved. Paul
March 28, 2021
I will always fondly remember Cousins Rudy and Barbara Ann, as well. They always found time to visit us at my grandmother’s house in NJ for many years. I have great memories of those days and it means a lot. Sending my sincere sympathy and loving thoughts to all at this difficult time.
Dotty Brown-Polesovsky
March 28, 2021
our world has lost a wonderful man and Pastor our thoughts and prayers are with his family
March 27, 2021
I will always remember my Uncle Rudy dancing with me and singing the old song performed by Ray Bolger “Once in Love with Amy”. He lived life to the fullest and always had a good story or two to share. He is happiest now that he is with his lifetime earthly partner, Barbara, and his eternal partner, Jesus Christ. Much love and sympathies to all my cousins. Amy
March 27, 2021
Our dear Uncle Rudy was a proud Christian servant of our Lord. It was evident that his faith and his family were his joys. We remember the many times he drove all the way to Pendleton, NY to see his sister Martha and her family. we all enjoyed his conversations , and , of course , asked every time for a magic trick or two !
March 26, 2021
My love thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of your dad and grandpa. May Gods comfort be yours. Lamentations 3: 22-23
March 26, 2021
Uncle Rudy will be missed, his soothing voice will always ring in my ears and his love will remain in my heart. My prayers and love are with all of my family at this time.
- Services
- Saturday, April 24, 2021
- Mt. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church
- 308 Petersburg Road
- Lititz, PA 17543
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