MINERAL POINT - John A. Keyes, age 88, entered eternal life on Thursday, May 2, 2013, at the VA Hospital in Madison.

He was born near Hollandale, Wis., on July 28, 1924, the son of James and Mary (Prohaska) Keyes. A World War II combat veteran, he served in the 36th Infantry and was captured after crossing the Rapido River near Casino. He was a prisoner of war for 18 months. His military experiences forever shaped his life. Following his liberation in 1945, he was assigned to guard German prisoners in upstate New York. There he met his future wife, Conjetta (Connie) Regatuso. They were married on Nov. 30, 1946, at Assumption Catholic Church in Mount Morris, New York. For the next 64 years, they made their home in Mineral Point.

He worked as a butter maker, and later as an auto mechanic. His employers included Sanitary Creamery, J.E. Engels and Gratz Motors all of Mineral Point; as well as Berryman Chrysler and Klusendorf Chevrolet both in Dodgeville. He had the ability to master anything mechanical and was also a fine carpenter and mason. He enjoyed hard work. Leisure time was spent gardening at which he excelled, and more importantly. spending time with his family. He was a most loving, supportive, caring and dedicated father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his sons, Dennis (friend, Juanita), Dean (Mary), Dale (Joanne) and David (Pat); 13 grandchildren, Natalie (Jay) Pfeifer, Gregory, Michael, Dr. Brian (Tierney), Annie (John Scott), Joseph (Jennifer), Meghan (Tommy) Lee, Maureen, Ryan (Giene), Jonathan (Erin), Ashley (friend, Bob), Kristina and David; and 9 great-grandchildren; Ian, Aidan, Brennan, Kasen, Cory, Noah, Murphy, Lulu and Logan; his sister, Gail Drager; a brother-in-law, Anthony Regatuso; and sisters-in-law, Rose Schroeder and Angeline Tarmino of New York, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; three brothers, Clifford, Vearus and James; three sisters, Marie Rose, Gertrude Skala and Pauline Thies; three brothers-in-law, Russell, Joseph and Michael Regatuso; and a sister-in-law, Anna Regatuso.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, and particularly Mary Ann Reale, for their loving care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at SAINT JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Dodgeville with Father Patrick Wendler officiating. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Monday, May 6, 2013, at the GORGEN FUNERAL HOME, Mineral Point, and on May 7, 2013, at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the Mass.