William Ivan Keckler

William Ivan Keckler Sherwood William Ivan Keckler, age 94, of Sherwood, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at the Holly Convalescence Home in Holly, MI. Ivan was born June 10, 1914 in Matteson Twp., a son to the late William and Minnie (Conn) Keckler. On February 13, 1940 he married Helen Grace Wood in Indiana; she preceded him in death on March 17, 2008. Ivan had worked at Darlings in Bronson then Lonergans in Albion and later after the war he worked as a foreman for Sherer Gillett in Marshall until his retirement. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a radio operator during World War II, earning the rank of Sergeant. He received the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Bronze Battle Star, Victory Medal, Bronze Service Arrowhead and 3 Overseas Bars. He was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church in Marshall. He is survived by a daughter, Peggy (George) Gray of Flushing, one granddaughter, Summer Grace Medel of Ypsilanti and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Ellen K. Doty and two brothers, Fredrick and Earl Keckler. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Schipper Funeral Home LTD. in Colon. Funeral services celebrating the life of Ivan Keckler will be Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 11:30 A.M. from the funeral home with Mr. David J. Farrell officiating. Burial will follow at Matteson Township Cemetery with Military Honors conferred by the Colon American Legion Post #454. If desired memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Coldwater. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.ace Wood in Indiana; she preceded him in death on March 17, 2008.