Leo Keech

Leo Keech lived a vibrant life while creating a diversified palette of interests that brought him great joy. He was a race car fan through and through whose biggest thrill was dropping the green flag at a local racetrack. Leo loved hanging out in his “man cave” in the basement where he enjoyed watching television, listening to the radio, and building model cars. He was a hopeless romantic who never missed an anniversary or Valentine’s Day, and his greatest love was always for his family.

During a year in which WWII raged on overseas, Americans back home dealt with rationing on many goods, and an industry that had predominantly converted to creating products that supported the war effort. It was also during the year 1944, that Russ and Myrtle “Myrte” (Tuttle) Keech, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were celebrating the birth of their son, Leo, on December 30th. Born as the third of four boys in his family, Leo was introduced to life in the military from a young age since his father served in the military as an aide to the general. Although his family lived in Grand Rapids for a time, they later moved to Japan before settling in Rockford just north of Grand Rapids after his father’s health deteriorated.

Once in Rockford, Leo attended Rockford Elementary and Rockford High where he was a good student, became involved in art, and truly enjoyed student life. He made a wood carving of his school mascot, the Rockford Ram, which to this day still hangs in a local barber shop in Rockford. After graduating from high school in 1963, Leo pursued his love for art by attending classes at Kendall College of Design.

As North Vietnam continued to threaten to overtake South Vietnam, the involvement of the United States began escalating in the early sixties. Leo found himself about to be drafted, and after looking into the various branches of the Armed Forces, he enlisted into the Marines, just as his brother Larry was returning home from his time of service. It was August of 1966 when Leo began his service as a door gunner on a Medivac Chopper. He was discharged in July of 1970, able to resume the life he left behind.

While working at Diocesan Publications in 1971, Leo’s life was forever changed after he met the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. She was a co-worker named Nancy Van Neuren, and she asked Leo to attend a party – he accepted. From that point on, their relationship blossomed and after dating throughout all of 1972, they were united in marriage on May 12, 1973, at Trinity Christian Reformed Church. After a honeymoon in the Smoky Mountains, the newlyweds settled in Grand Rapids where they welcomed three children into their hearts and home: Elizabeth, Craig, and Christopher. Leo supported his family through his work at Amway where he worked in the pre print department for over 30 years. He also went back to school, earning his business degree from Grand Rapids Junior College.

Amidst building his career, Leo was busy making precious memories with his family as well. Their family enjoyed taking trips together, often renting a cottage on Lake Michigan or staying in a camper in Grand Haven. At times they also took trips to Florida where they visited Nancy’s parents. Leo’s children always enjoyed coloring Easter eggs with him as this seemed to be the tradition each year.

There were many interests that Leo pursued when time allowed. He enjoyed golfing, and was a fan of auto racing, especially following his favorite drivers - Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Bill Elliot when he drove a Ford. Leo took in numerous races firsthand at both Michigan International Speedway and Martin Dragway. He was also very into photography and loved capturing pictures of his family and their various events. In fact, when his family grew to include grandchildren, they quickly became some of his favorite subjects. Leo’s grandson Van loved trains, so Leo would go down to a track just to wait for one to pass by. Leo loved going for a drive and often headed to Grand Haven to pick up his grandchildren and then drive them around. He liked all types of music except Motown, and each year he and Nancy attended the Messiah. Leo liked watching not only racing on television, but the professional bull riding circuit as well.

Leo was truly one-of-a-kind and will be forever remembered for so many things that were unique to him. He loved cars and always displayed his Vietnam War colors on his cars throughout the years. Leo loved to eat, and among his favorites were pot roast with mashed potatoes, Nancy’s chili, and burritos from the Yellow Jacket Inn in Grand Haven. He enjoyed being social, and each year they hosted a “corn roast” for all of Nancy’s co-workers and their friends where the good times always abounded. Leo’s family called him “Juan the pool and lawn boy” as he loved working on his yard.

In 1996, Leo was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent successful radiation and surgery. He went on to retire from Amway in 2007, after which he had a big party and went to Florida for a month. Just this past December, Leo was diagnosed with a different type of cancer, and although he was feeling tired, he always said he felt alright. Sadly he died unexpectedly at his home.

Leo Keech was thoughtful, funny, and laid-back, and he loved having a good time. He was naturally creative and skillfully created sketches of all of his grandchildren that are so greatly treasured. Leo was a man of great strength and integrity who was proud to serve his country during a time of need. He loved dogs and auto racing, but his favorite way to spend his time was surrounded by his beloved family. Leo spent a lifetime creating a colorful mosaic of memories that will be forever cherished. He will be dearly missed.

Leo R. Keech died on Saturday, August, 22, 2009. Leo’s family includes his wife of 36 years, Nancy; his children, Ray (Liz) Bracken, Craig (Linda) Keech, and Christopher Keech; his grandchildren, Taylor Bracken, Madison Bracken, Van Keech, Claire Keech and Norah Keech; step-father-in-law, Ivan Lootens; brothers and sisters-in-law, Nick (Carolee) Keech of Fl, K.C. (Margaret) Keech of Grand Rapids, and Becky Keech of Big Rapids; stepsister and brother-in-law, Dick (Marti) Sligh; and stepbrother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Jeff (Carla) Lootens. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russ and Myrtle Keech; brother, Larry Keech; and in-laws, Clare (Leone) Van Neuren. The Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may visit his family at the funeral home on Monday from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2-4 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, or make a memorial contribution to West Side Christian School or Faith Hospice.