Jean Keas

A vibrant and vivacious presence, all who knew Jean Keas will certainly agree that she brought warmth and life to every room she walked into. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her friends and family, and she always held her loved ones close, building deep and personal relationships. Though she is gone far too soon, Jean and her memory will never be forgotten.

The 1940s were a troubling time for many as WWII took the globe by storm. Fighting was reaching a boiling point, and countless servicemen were called away from home while those who remained stateside watched anxiously, supporting the war effort in whatever ways they could. During these dark times, however, there was a ray of hope for William and Jennie (Karp) Van Asselt as they awaited the arrival of their baby with breathless anticipation. It was on September 11, 1943, that the couple were so happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Jean Karen. Jean joined her family as the fourth and youngest child.

Growing up, Jean experienced a typical childhood of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home alongside her three older brothers, Don, Ken, and Jim. Having three brothers to chase after made Jean competitive from a young age. Her father, William, tended to the family farm in Bailey and worked as an electrician to support the family while her mother, Jennie, devoted herself to raising her children and caring for their home. Jean loved playing sports, and she always played to win. She also liked swimming and fishing in local lakes. The Van Asselt family were members of Casnovia Reformed Church, building the foundation for Jean’s lifelong faith. She attended Grant Public Schools, and as a teenager, she worked for local farmers in the muck fields. After graduating high school, Jean left the rural life behind to move to Grand Rapids and begin a secretarial position for Kozak Furniture Studios.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Jean as she had met the young man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Jerry Keas, and the two first met at Casnovia Reformed Church where their parents were friends. They shared an instant connection and enjoyed getting to know one another before Jerry was called to service in the United States Air Force. Throughout his training and service in Germany, Jean kept in touch with Jerry, and their relationship continued to deepen. He proposed to her over an international phone call, but she told him she needed more time to consider and pray. Jerry came home on leave, and after a few more dates, Jean felt confident in saying yes. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, they were married on July 2, 1965.

The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in northern Michigan before Jerry returned to the Air Force in Germany, this time bringing Jean with him. Over the remainder of his service, the couple were able to travel throughout Europe. They enjoyed skiing in the Alps and spending quality time together. Once Jerry’s time in the Air Force was over, they returned home. Jean and Jerry settled down in Sparta, Michigan, where they would welcome their first son, Ron, before moving to their longtime home in Walker.

Jean was a mom, first and foremost. She and Jerry were overjoyed to raise their three sons, Ron, Brian, and Joel, in the new subdivision with a large open lawn for backyard sports and games with family and many neighborhood friends. Jean was always supportive, attentive, and involved, and she prided herself on being able to keep up with her active boys. She balanced her responsibilities to her family with her part-time career as a cashier at Meijer on Alpine Avenue from 1968 to 2006. Jean made sure to work close to home so that the boys could visit her and play in the Meijer play area. Fred Meijer knew Jean by name and would always chat with her when he visited the store. Over the span of her 38-year career, she was able to meet and foster relationships with countless coworkers and customers.

When the boys were young, the Keas family enjoyed camping at parks on Lake Michigan and at Six Lakes and taking memorable trips to Cedar Point and Tigers games. Holidays were always spent with family, and many happy summer memories were made while camping with friends. Jean would bake for days around the holidays and made tins of Christmas goodies for each of her loved ones. Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandma to seven wonderful grandchildren. Jean found so much joy in her role as Mema. She attended every event and had a special relationship with each of her grandchildren. Jean always considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

She was a faithful member of Remembrance Church for over 50 years. Jean had a lifelong love for sports. She played volleyball and softball, even coaching at times, and she was known for her “cannon arm” from shortstop and competitive drive. Jean enjoyed playing card games, and she could often be found shopping for bargains and thoughtful gifts. She was an excellent cook, and she made a tradition of having taco night on Fridays and roast beef Sunday dinner every week. Jean enjoyed bowling and golfing as well, and Shipshewana and the peaceful Amish country were some of her favorite places to be. Later in life, she enjoyed filling her free time watching game shows, reading Amish novels, and preparing for the annual garage sale.

Jean spent the golden years of her life caring for Jerry as he suffered the progressing effects of Parkinson's disease for over 20 years. She was a model of inspiration and complete dedication in her care for him.

Jean Keas brought the world around her to life. She faced challenges with a spirit of quiet determination, and though she worked hard, she took time to enjoy life around the way. Though she will be dearly missed, Jean leaves behind a priceless legacy of selfless kindness that her loved ones can be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

KEAS – Mrs. Jean Keas, 81, of Walker passed away at home on January 27, 2025 and is now with Jerry, her husband of 58 years, and her Lord and Savior for eternity. The daughter of the late William and Jennie (Karp) Van Asselt, she is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren: Ron and Theresa Keas (sons: Taylor and Parker), Brian and Angie Keas (stepdaughters: Hannah and Abby Riffell), and Joel and Amy Keas (daughters: Aubrey, Emerson, and Presley); her brother Don (Ernestine) Van Asselt and sister-in-law, Alberta Van Asselt; in-laws, Joyce (Victor) Derenthal and Lenora (Vern) Lanning; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, and two brothers, Kenneth Van Asselt and James Van Asselt (Carolyn and Carla). Jean was born on September 11, 1943 in Grant, graduated from Grant High School and started working at Kozak Studios in Grand Rapids before marrying and beginning her 38 years as a cashier at Meijer. Jean liked to shop, garage sale, and was a competitive athlete who excelled in softball, volleyball, and bowling. "Mema" loved her grandchildren and enjoyed any opportunity to watch their sporting and musical events. She enjoyed spending time at Pleasure Point RV Resort, watching the Detroit Tigers, playing cards, having coffee, and cooking and baking for family and friends.

Her funeral service will be on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 11 AM at Remembrance Church, 4575 Remembrance Road NW. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3-5 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW.

For memorials in honor of Jean, please consider Edison Christian Foundation. To read more about Jean, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com