Robert A. Keech

Keech, Robert A.
of Portage, Michigan Passed away at his home on Thursday, January 16, 2014. Age 77. Robert was born in Kalamazoo, MI on July 24, 1936. He was raised by his late grandparents, Herman and Olga Brouwer. He served with the United States Army during the Korean War. He retired from the General Motors Fisher Body Plant. After retirement, he took a temporary position with the United States Postal Service delivering express mail and then worked for Roelof's Trucking delivering mail on the Hastings run . He was a member of the American Legion and United Auto Workers. He was instrumental in starting the first Portage Snowmobile Club and helped rescue many people during the blizzard of 1978. He enjoyed fishing, doing projects around his home, and spending time in Florida and the Upper Peninsula. He was married to Shirley Ann Keech on July 24, 1963; she preceded him in death on November 10, 2006. He is survived by his children, Penny Sundman of Portage, Pamela Dolnik and Teresa Bailey both of Kalamazoo, Carrie Wild of Eagle River, WI, Karen Hoffman of Rose City, Lois Bobchin of New Jersey; grandchildren, Dillon Keech and Taylor Stuart both of Portage, Claudia Pawelski and Billie Jo Seidl both of Eagle River, Wisconsin, Alexandra Rose Heinrikson of Indiana, Rhonda Jeremy Widener of Alaska, Ronald Dolnik, Robert Dolnik and Jason Courtny Bailey all of Kalamazoo, Jeanie James Kohl of Connecticut, Dylan Hoffman and Donovan Hoffman both of Delton, Kathy Bobchin and Kelly Bobchin both of New Jersey; and seven great grandchildren. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 - 4:00 & 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2014 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue, Portage, MI, 49002, where the funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2014. Rev. Daniel Sarkipato will officiate. Graveside service with military honors will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the West Michigan Cancer Center or a charity of the donor's choice.