Alexander William Keema, III

ALEXANDER WILLIAM KEEMA III

 

Al Keema of Bowie, MD passed away on January 16, 2023 from a sudden illness. Al was born October 21, 1944, in Providence, RI, two months after the death of his father. He was predeceased by his parents, Barbara Pierce (Keema) Ohliger and Alexander William Keema, Jr., and stepfather, Fritz Ohliger.

 

Al grew up in Evanston, IL, New Orleans, LA and La Habra CA, graduating from La Habra High School in 1962. He attended UC, Santa Barbara, graduating in 1966.

At UCSB, he enrolled in ROTC and entered the Army as a Lieutenant. He was sent to Germany rather than into active duty in Vietnam because he was the only son of a veteran who died in active service.

 

Following his deployment, Al attended the University of San Diego to get his Masters Degree in Economics.

In San Diego, he met Mary Wertz, the love of his life. They married in 1969, and first lived in Lafayette, CA. They moved to Maryland, when Al got a job at the GAO during the Carter Administration.

In 1973, they bought their house in Bowie, and Mary gave birth to Alex (Alexander William Keema, IV).

After his work in the government, Mary and Al took a course together in Real Estate Assessment and started their own business. When Alex finished school, he began working with them in the family business. Sadly, Alex passed away in 2004 and Mary passed in 2006.

 

Al leaves behind four siblings: sisters: Deborah Keema, Halifax, Canada; Grace Kellard, Los Angeles, CA; Barbara Blose (Lou), Norman, OK; brother, Thomas Ohliger (Vicki) Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law Helen Martina (Joe) Goodyear, AZ and cousins, Victoria Mcdonnell (Chuck), North Kingstown, RI; Susan Morhart(Fred) Falls Church, VA; Christine Bonhall (Brad) Reno, NV.

 

He is survived by many nieces and nephews who adored him and fondly recall his catchphrase, "Here's Uncle Al, the kiddies pal!” 

 

Al loved playing poker from a young age, he played pool often and even invented a game called 8-15. He also enjoyed his daily hot tub ritual in his adult life. He loved animals and all living things. His mottos, “What’s up for today’s laughs?” and “I’m in tremendous physical shape!” always brought smiles and levity. His sunny disposition, sense of humor, kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.