Thomas J. Keckeisen

Thomas J. Keckeisen, of Essexville, Michigan, age 62, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother passed away at Bay Regional Medical Center on Thursday, January 27, 20ll, surrounded by his family. He was born in New York on September 24, l948, the son of Jean and the late Joseph Keckeisen. Tom was an educator in the Bay City Public School system, retiring from Western High School in 2009 as Special Education Co-ordinator. He had started his teaching career at McGregor School in l970. Tom had also served students as a home-bound teacher. He received his B.S. Degree from Michigan State University and completed graduate work at Central Michigan University. Tom was a member of the NEA, MEA, BCEA, and Bay Area Retired School Personnel. Tom was a generous man who shared his talents with his family and many friends. He was an excellent cook who enjoyed nothing more than sharing the creations of his kitchen, often on a large scale, as when he cooked for Relay for Life fundraisers at Western High School. He was a dedicated golfer, a voracious reader, and, as a young man, an avid hunter. Tom's sense of humor and enjoyment of life was contagious. Above all, Tom was a devoted family man, raising three beloved sons with wife Donna, who predeceased him. Some of Tom's fondest memories were of following his sons in their athletic endeavors in high school. Tom is survived by sons Joe (Jen) Keckeisen, of Midland, Jim (Nicole) Keckeisen of Holt, and Brian Keckeisen of Midland and six grandchildren. His mother, Jean Keckeisen, of Florida, and brother, Ray Keckeisen, of New York, also survive him. Tom leaves behind his cherished wife, Cindy Keckeisen, whom he married in 2002 and his special stepdaughters, Jenna Snyder (fiancé Ryan Reinke) of Dallas and Chelsea Snyder of Mt. Pleasant, who welcomed him into their family. Tom will also be greatly missed by his ever-faithful dogs, Bella and Gracie. Family and friends are invited to a memorial for Tom on Saturday, January 29, 20ll, at 10:00 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, followed by a breakfast. At Tom's request, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's favorite charity either at the Doubletree or at Gephart Funeral Home.