I went to Keystone to honor the memory of a very dear friend and long time resident of Keystone, Maxine Mertens. Maxine passed on in May of 2007 after being around for nearly 90 years. I got to know Maxine in 2001 after my first Ragbrai...she nursed my buddy, Ray Taarnby, and I back to good health after exhausting ourselves on that years 530 mile ride. In 2006 she did the same for me, my brother Mike, Ray Taarnby and Trevor King. When we first met she had only recently retired at 82 as the local Tax Accountant.
Maxine was an expert at providing unconditional support to friends and strangers, connecting with people and getting people connected. At Keystone, pop. 700, her pride and joy was to be a major part in the rebuilding of this town's Turner Bar. (It had burnt down but through her previous advice had a replacement Insurance cover.) This facility is a family resource for wedding receptions, birthday events, bowling and of course socialising as families and friends around meals and drinks. Keystone now has a very classy, modern, technologically leading edge, aesthetically pleasing facility that even a large city would be proud of. Good onya Maxine. I visited and was able to properly say Good Bye. (Unfortunately Maxine you didn't get to see the final product and dance on the tables as you threatened!)
While at Keystone I was looked after by Duane Kupka who also has the nickname "Shovel". Shovel has visited Australia and NZ in his search for John Deere antiques. I visited his house and saw so much of his collection. As well as huge restored tractors and motors he has a set of antique John Deere pedal cars.
A big thanks to Keystone's Mayor Mark, and his wife Marilyn for providing accommodation. Much appreciated.
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