Natalie Keigher

Natalie Josephine (Arseneau) Keigher, 96, entered into Eternal Life on October 25, 2024, at St. Camillus in Wauwatosa, WI, which had been her home and community for 22 years. Natalie looked forward to a heavenly reunion with many loved ones, especially her husband of 57 years, Joseph T. Keigher, their son, Kerry Keigher, her parents, Willard and Henrietta “Hattie” (Raymond) Arseneau, her siblings, Rose Raines, Tom Arseneau, Edna “Nixie” Arseneau, Linda Benoit, Jerome Arseneau, and Marcella Arseneau.

Natalie was born at home on August 4, 1928, in Bourbonnais, IL, when she surprised her parents by arriving as the first of twins – her sister Rosalie following an hour later. At just 3 pounds each, these tiny sisters were proof that the greatest things often come in small packages. That fighting spirit would become a hallmark of Natalie’s life, even if she never quite reached 5 feet tall. A proud daughter of French-Canadian heritage, Natalie graduated from Bourbonnais Notre Dame Academy, where the Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters and Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys inspired her lifelong dedication to faith and service.

On November 23, 1950, she married Joseph Keigher at Maternity BVM Catholic Church. Together they raised 8 children, modeling strong Catholic values along with common sense and hard work. Natalie was a devoted wife and dedicated mother. Once her children were independent, she worked for a local tax accountant. She applied the skills she acquired, volunteering annually at The Salvation Army providing pro bono tax preparation services.

A very diligent student all her life, Natalie was a voracious reader and instilled a passion for learning in all her children. She became a master of life’s essential arts – blue-ribbon pie-making, canning garden vegetables and crafting quilts from old dresses, giving cherished memories a second life. Long before “reduce, reuse, recycle” became a catchphrase, she was teaching her children the value of God’s creation through creative resourcefulness. A green thumb, Natalie’s garden was more than just a source of fresh produce – it was her philosophy in action. Those who attempted to help themselves to apples from her trees would find themselves invited to sit at her picnic table instead – a gentle lesson in community and friendship.

Never having driven a car, Natalie walked everywhere with her children in tow, teaching them that the best things in life require time and patience – from preparing meals from scratch, rocking babies to sleep (a skill at which she was legendary), or nurturing dying orchids back to bloom. A long-time parishioner of St. Patrick’s Parish in Kankakee, Illinois, Natalie later  moved to Milwaukee to be closer to family, where she continued to grow in mind and spirit through multiple book clubs, civic volunteering, and serving in a variety of ministries at Saint  Camillus. Her legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew her.

Natalie will be missed by her children: Kathleen (Jim Raker), Laura (Joe Mantoan), Brian Keigher, Teresa Tift, Carol (Ed Lorenz), Margaret (John Wittkowske), and Bridget (Patrick Coffey). She was cherished as grandma, mémère, and affectionately “Little Grandma” to 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Natalie will also be missed by her siblings: Mary  Bisaillon, Jane Morgan, Ray Arseneau, Lois Arseneau, Carol Miller and Christine Lambert, as well as her devoted caregiver, Ula, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 9:30 AM until the 11:00 AM funeral mass at Maternity BVM Church, 308 East Marsile Street, Bourbonnais, Illinois. Burial will follow at Maternity BVM Cemetery in Bourbonnais.

In lieu of flowers, plant a garden, bake a pie from scratch, read a book, or simply take time to rock a baby – these were the moments Natalie treasured most.

Memorials may be made to Maternity BVM Catholic Church, (308 East Marsile Bourbonnais, Illinois, 60914)