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HACKENSACK - Gerald "Mel" Keep, age 92, of Hackensack, Minn., passed away Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Good Samaritan Society, Pine River. He was born to George and Eva Keep on November 21, 1919.

Mel married Vera Hochstatter on March 4, 1941, in Hackensack. He worked as a carpenter in the lakes area for many years. He enjoyed reading, woodcarving, fishing, hunting, trapping and any other outdoor activity, and was known throughout the United States for his fish decoys.

Mel is survived by his wife, Vera; daughter, Pat Puetz (Jim); grandchildren: Jodi Brammann (Victor), Kyle Richards (Lena), Amy Kalthoff (Jim); eight great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Peggy Richards; granddaughter, Krista Richards; brothers: Perry, Clinton, Vern, Clarence, Dick, Howard, Dennis; half-sister, Violet Friday.

Services were held Monday, June 18 at Union Congregational Church, Hackensack. Interment will be in Bethlehem Cemetery, rural Backus.

Kline Funeral Home of Pine River assisted the family with arrangements.

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