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Ronald K. Keck

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Ronald K. Keck Veteran

Birth
Death
15 Sep 2007 (aged 78)
Burial
Kenosha, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Born: November 30, 1928
Died: September 15, 2007
Services: Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 88th Street and 39th Avenue. Interment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.
Visitation: A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider memorial remembrances to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105.
September 15, 2007 will remain a special day in our hearts as we bid farewell and reflect upon the life of Ronald L. Keck. His strong determination served him well throughout his life, in the service and in dealing with his illnesses. He answered his final call to be with our Lord as he passed peacefully at Brookside Care Center, surrounded by his immediate family and Pastor Mark, from St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Ronald was born on November 30, 1928 in Kenosha, the son of the late Alvin and Adeline H. (Koepp) Keck. He lived in Menominee, Wisconsin and Kenosha throughout his early years. He began kindergarten at the age of three, as the one room schoolhouse was in need of another student for that class to keep the school open. He graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School at the age of 16.

At an early age he began working on his grandfather's tobacco farm; and then at the age of 12 he worked at the Henock News Agency and then Bode Brothers. At age 14 his love for automotive mechanics began at Gordon Auto Parts. Ron then launched a career with Schaffer Pontiac, GMAC, as a sales representative in Minneapolis, MN. After living in Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota, he returned to Kenosha with his wife and three children and began working for the Civil Service at Fort Sheridan, and retired after 23 years as an inspector and heavy mobile chief mechanic.

Upon entering the service in the Army Air Corp, his military duty began. He was a quiet man of German descent, dedicating over 43 years of his life to his country. On July 4, 1946 he fought for our freedom in Nagoya, Japan in World War II. He served in the Army Air Corp from 1945 to 1948. Upon his honorable discharge on September 19, 1948, he immediately entered the Air Force Reserves at General Billy Mitchell Field with the 440th Tactical Airlift Wing Communications. He retired a Sr. Master Sgt in May of 1988. His medals, ribbons and commendations were many: Occupational Service, Japan; Wartime Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force Distinguished Service; Air Force Commendation; four Meritorious Service Medals; longevity service ribbon; Army Good Conduct; Air Force Good Conduct; Air Reserves Meritorious Service; World War II Victory Medal; World War II Occupational Medal; and many ribbons honoring him and his service.

The significance of September 15 held many memories. It was a special day to remember Ron and the love of his life, his wife, his "Hon", Adeline – as this was the day they met 59 years ago. Adeline E. Russo proudly became his bride, "Mrs. Ronald Keck" on September 17, 1949. They were married in the rectory of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church (that was when their well-kept secret came out, five minutes before the ceremony, she was Catholic and he was Lutheran). Also 45 years ago on September 15, Ronald walked his sister Carol down the isle to wed her husband, Donald LaFayette.

In addition to his love of the service, he enjoyed building and flying airplanes; flying radio-controlled airplanes; cars; all sports, especially boxing; bocce ball; horseshoes; bowling; fishing; music; dancing; carpentry; gardening; word puzzles; solitaire; the comics; and travel. He was a member of the American Legion in Milwaukee; the V.F.W. Post 1865; and a social member of the North American Benefit Association (now Women's Life Insurance Society). He was a devoted grandfather, dropping everything to travel 365 miles to be with his two grandsons as a chaperone and driver for the Boy Scouts. During his life his love of flying was enhanced when he had the wonderful opportunity to fly with Ruth Harmon and with Amelia Earhart. He shared his love of the service, the Air Force and flying with his son Lawrence, and his "buddy" and grandson Raymond. He was a mentor to many, not only for those in the service as he held the position of Career Advisor for many years, but for the young bowlers at Guttormsen's Recreation Center on Saturday mornings.

Music, knowledge and education were always priorities in his life. He taught auto mechanics at GTI (formerly KTI); and he played and taught the accordion with Frank Gullo, and was a member of the Round Robin Square Dance club. Frank Sinatra, "The Rat Pack" and Tony Bennett were among his favorite Singers in music.

Ronald is survived by Adeline, his soul mate and loving wife who stood by his side in excess of 58 years; his son, Lawrence R. Keck of Milwaukee; his daughter, Jean M. "Jeannie" Russo of Kenosha; a sister, Carol (Keck) LaFayette; several sisters-in-law: Phyllis Keck, Rita Johnson, Olivia Cerminara, Carmella Rozell, and Melba Russo; and a brother-in-law, Richard Russo. He was blessed with six grandchildren: Steven Wayne, Jr (with the National Guard, currently serving our country at war on his third tour abroad); his brother Christopher (Katie) Wayne of St. Cloud, MN; Lauren Keck of Battle Creek, MI; Kristin Keck of Muskego; Heather Keck of Stevens Point; and Cadet 1st Class Raymond Hoffman (U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO). In addition to his six grandchildren, Ronald was blessed with two great-grandsons, Elliott Wayne and Isaac Wayne of St. Cloud, MN. He is also survived by his goddaughter Marlene (LaFayette) Behling, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Adeline H. Keck; his father, Alvin Keck; his brother Eugene Keck; and his daughter Kathleen Joyce (Keck) Wayne.

May you rest in peace now; and "thanks for the memories"…

This obituary was lovingly prepared by the Keck family.
Born: November 30, 1928
Died: September 15, 2007
Services: Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 88th Street and 39th Avenue. Interment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.
Visitation: A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider memorial remembrances to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105.
September 15, 2007 will remain a special day in our hearts as we bid farewell and reflect upon the life of Ronald L. Keck. His strong determination served him well throughout his life, in the service and in dealing with his illnesses. He answered his final call to be with our Lord as he passed peacefully at Brookside Care Center, surrounded by his immediate family and Pastor Mark, from St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Ronald was born on November 30, 1928 in Kenosha, the son of the late Alvin and Adeline H. (Koepp) Keck. He lived in Menominee, Wisconsin and Kenosha throughout his early years. He began kindergarten at the age of three, as the one room schoolhouse was in need of another student for that class to keep the school open. He graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School at the age of 16.

At an early age he began working on his grandfather's tobacco farm; and then at the age of 12 he worked at the Henock News Agency and then Bode Brothers. At age 14 his love for automotive mechanics began at Gordon Auto Parts. Ron then launched a career with Schaffer Pontiac, GMAC, as a sales representative in Minneapolis, MN. After living in Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota, he returned to Kenosha with his wife and three children and began working for the Civil Service at Fort Sheridan, and retired after 23 years as an inspector and heavy mobile chief mechanic.

Upon entering the service in the Army Air Corp, his military duty began. He was a quiet man of German descent, dedicating over 43 years of his life to his country. On July 4, 1946 he fought for our freedom in Nagoya, Japan in World War II. He served in the Army Air Corp from 1945 to 1948. Upon his honorable discharge on September 19, 1948, he immediately entered the Air Force Reserves at General Billy Mitchell Field with the 440th Tactical Airlift Wing Communications. He retired a Sr. Master Sgt in May of 1988. His medals, ribbons and commendations were many: Occupational Service, Japan; Wartime Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force Distinguished Service; Air Force Commendation; four Meritorious Service Medals; longevity service ribbon; Army Good Conduct; Air Force Good Conduct; Air Reserves Meritorious Service; World War II Victory Medal; World War II Occupational Medal; and many ribbons honoring him and his service.

The significance of September 15 held many memories. It was a special day to remember Ron and the love of his life, his wife, his "Hon", Adeline – as this was the day they met 59 years ago. Adeline E. Russo proudly became his bride, "Mrs. Ronald Keck" on September 17, 1949. They were married in the rectory of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church (that was when their well-kept secret came out, five minutes before the ceremony, she was Catholic and he was Lutheran). Also 45 years ago on September 15, Ronald walked his sister Carol down the isle to wed her husband, Donald LaFayette.

In addition to his love of the service, he enjoyed building and flying airplanes; flying radio-controlled airplanes; cars; all sports, especially boxing; bocce ball; horseshoes; bowling; fishing; music; dancing; carpentry; gardening; word puzzles; solitaire; the comics; and travel. He was a member of the American Legion in Milwaukee; the V.F.W. Post 1865; and a social member of the North American Benefit Association (now Women's Life Insurance Society). He was a devoted grandfather, dropping everything to travel 365 miles to be with his two grandsons as a chaperone and driver for the Boy Scouts. During his life his love of flying was enhanced when he had the wonderful opportunity to fly with Ruth Harmon and with Amelia Earhart. He shared his love of the service, the Air Force and flying with his son Lawrence, and his "buddy" and grandson Raymond. He was a mentor to many, not only for those in the service as he held the position of Career Advisor for many years, but for the young bowlers at Guttormsen's Recreation Center on Saturday mornings.

Music, knowledge and education were always priorities in his life. He taught auto mechanics at GTI (formerly KTI); and he played and taught the accordion with Frank Gullo, and was a member of the Round Robin Square Dance club. Frank Sinatra, "The Rat Pack" and Tony Bennett were among his favorite Singers in music.

Ronald is survived by Adeline, his soul mate and loving wife who stood by his side in excess of 58 years; his son, Lawrence R. Keck of Milwaukee; his daughter, Jean M. "Jeannie" Russo of Kenosha; a sister, Carol (Keck) LaFayette; several sisters-in-law: Phyllis Keck, Rita Johnson, Olivia Cerminara, Carmella Rozell, and Melba Russo; and a brother-in-law, Richard Russo. He was blessed with six grandchildren: Steven Wayne, Jr (with the National Guard, currently serving our country at war on his third tour abroad); his brother Christopher (Katie) Wayne of St. Cloud, MN; Lauren Keck of Battle Creek, MI; Kristin Keck of Muskego; Heather Keck of Stevens Point; and Cadet 1st Class Raymond Hoffman (U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO). In addition to his six grandchildren, Ronald was blessed with two great-grandsons, Elliott Wayne and Isaac Wayne of St. Cloud, MN. He is also survived by his goddaughter Marlene (LaFayette) Behling, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Adeline H. Keck; his father, Alvin Keck; his brother Eugene Keck; and his daughter Kathleen Joyce (Keck) Wayne.

May you rest in peace now; and "thanks for the memories"…

This obituary was lovingly prepared by the Keck family.

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