Donna Keckler

When looking back on the full life of Donna Keckler, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and she was a shining example of kindness and generosity. Nothing brought Donna greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. She faced challenges head-on with a spirit of fierce determination, and she was never afraid to work hard. Dearly missed, Donna will be forever held in the hearts of those who knew her best.

In the late 1940s, the United States of America was at last making the shift from a nation of war to a nation of peace after the turmoil of WWII. Rationing was no longer in place, and the baby boom was underway. It was during this exciting time Carlton and Betty (Bolt) Fritts of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby. On July 26, 1949, they welcomed their daughter, Donna Kay, into the world at Blodgett Hospital.

Growing up, Donna was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She spent her childhood living in various areas of Michigan such as Lowell, Ada, and Grand Rapids. Donna had a total of eight siblings, and she was especially close to her mother, Betty. Though she faced adversity from a young age, she grew to be strong and resilient. Donna attended local schools, including Lowell High School.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Donna as she began writing to a young man named Wilbur Keckler who was serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. There was an instant spark between them, and when Wilbur came home on leave and finally met Donna in person, they knew that their relationship was truly something remarkable. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Donna and Wilbur were married on December 17, 1967, ready to step into their future together as husband and wife. The newlyweds moved to California for a time before returning to Grand Rapids and eventually settling down in their longtime home on Ary Court Southwest.

All who knew Donna can surely agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. Over the years, she and Wilbur were overjoyed to welcome their beloved daughter, Toni, into their hearts and home. Donna thrived in her role as a mother, and she was dedicated to caring for her family and keeping her house immaculate. She was an excellent host and loved hosting family for holidays and family gatherings. The Keckler family enjoyed vacations to Cedar Point each summer. They also spent countless weekends in a tent at Pioneer Park or camping with family. Later in life, Donna was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. Donna always considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Donna and her husband, Wilbur, bought land in Hesperia that they would later build on, which became a favorite place to spend weekends for many months each year. She loved to garden there, and the two would often hunt deer and tube or canoe on White River nearby. Donna and Wilbur were very social, and they enjoyed getting together with friends or family to play cards, cribbage, and dice games. They also liked going to flea markets, where Wilbur would search for clocks to repair and Donna would collect salt and pepper shakers. For a time, they enjoyed Ham radio, and Donna’s name was Daffy while Wilbur’s was Swapper. Though Donna was devastated to lose Wilbur in 1999, she was always grateful for the many years they shared together.

Never one to sit still for long, Donna pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She enjoyed cooking scalloped potatoes, baked beans with hot dogs, goulash, and meatloaf. Donna loved to visit the Upper Peninsula with her daughter, Toni, and her family, and she got together with her sisters each Thursday to play cards. Her favorite musicians were Perry Como, Elvis, and old country artists. Donna enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel and the Game Show Network. Over the years, she volunteered her time with Disabled American Veterans. Donna would run Bingo at Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, and she drove to Battle Creek to staff Bingo at the VA Home.

As family and friends can certainly attest, Donna Keckler truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Donna was a friend to many and beloved by all. She exemplified what it meant to lead a life of love and care for others, and her heart of service allowed her to touch the lives of countless others. Though she will be deeply missed, Donna leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Donna Kay Keckler, age 74 of Grand Rapids, passed away April 4, 2024.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Toni & Jose Munguia; grandchildren: Jessica Langowski, Antonio Langowski, Manuel Munguia Jr., and Mackenzie Munguia; her great-grandson, Cassien Ferguson; brothers and sisters: Dave (Richanda) Bolt, Carl (Beverley) Fritts, Linda (Jim) Reynolds, Mark (Deb) Fritts, Jane Nowak; her sister-in-law, Dollie Banks; and several nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Wilbur Keckler Jr in 1999; her sister, Judy Hoey; and her parents, Carl Fritts and Betty Fritts.

The service to remember and celebrate Donna’s life will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 12 Noon at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel. Friends are invited to visit with Donna's family on Wednesday from 6-8 PM and on Thursday beginning at 11 AM. A luncheon will follow the funeral service at the Armory National Guard on 44th Street SW. For those who wish, memorial contributions to March of Dimes are appreciated. To read more about Donna, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com