Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Aug 21, 1947 – May 6, 2025
KEIL, John Henry was born on August 21, 1947, at Hurley Hospital. The man and a child raised in the light of his parents, Henry “Hank” and Marion Myrtle (Bancroft) Keil (who preceded him in death, as well as niece Ronnie Sue (Sujak) Smith). Johnny grew up in Flint, MI. Always figuring how to get things done right and fairly, he was the eldest son of six children. Loving sports throughout his lifetime, John was a six-letter athlete in basketball and football at Ainsworth High School. Later in life, hitting every golf course in Lower Michigan. Voted “best personality” by his peers, proved right when John Henry had everyone in stitches telling the story of how he was shot in the hand and the buttocks in Vietnam. Bestowed with the purple heart, thank you for your service!
Following in the footsteps of both his grandfathers and both of his parents, John worked for 36+years for General Motors at Buick, notably as a Union Representative. As a young, divorced dad, John had to acclimate to single manhood while fitting in three children. It was at King’s Pointe that Dad invented a card game called, “take a trick.” Our candy money was well-made. Bringing a smile to your face and lighting up the world with his green eyes, J.H.K. was a “LIFE MASTER” in Bridge. Cheers to you, John Henry Keil! Heaven just added another brightly shining star on May 6, 2025.
Remembering a great Dad and Grandpa forever: his daughter, Leslie Patricia Keil and her son Carter Keil Qualls; son David John his wife Kendra (Ybarra) Keil, their son Andrew “Drew” Joseph Keil; son Douglas Burke his wife Abby (Kamarainen) Keil, Doug’s children Madison Lea and husband Chandler Ryan, Adam Douglas Keil, and Zachary Davis Lynch.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
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I have great memories Johnny playing sports at Ainsworth high school. Very smart and clever. I to was involved with the U.A.W. ran into him later on in life and he taught me a lot about committee work.
Donna Hampton- Blankinship
May 17, 2025 | School
I went to school with John, played football and basketball together. Lost touch after school I until later in life played golf together up until a few years ago. So sorry to hear of his passing. I certainly would like to know the date of his celebration of life, I wouldn't want to miss it.
Brian Conklin
May 11, 2025 | Friend
Swartz Creek Golf Course summer of 1964. We paid $ 1.15 for 9 holes. It was late in the day when we teed off. The clerk remarked about us looking alike, same height, short light brown hair. We kept up playing after the front nine, running in between shots the last two holes to finish in the dark. John Kiel - Mike Harding - Jim. Marsa - and myself. The clubhouse was closed so we drove in Jim's car to the A&W downtown across from the jail parked in the back row and yelled at the prisoners. ...
Denny Biller
May 11, 2025 | Other
