Charles J. Keene

Charles Joseph Keene's final wish was to pass away at home, surrounded by love and family, not monitors and strangers. It was a promise that his wife, Connie, fulfilled in the early hours of Feb. 4, 2026.

"Chuck," as he was known to most people, was born Sept. 1, 1945, in Michigan City, Indiana, where the couple met and fell in love. Their parents lived just a few blocks from each other. Chuck and Connie married Feb. 13, 1965, raising one son, Joseph (Dawn) Keene, and enjoying a granddaughter, Jennelle Keene, and a great-granddaughter, Anneliese Keene, who called him "Papa."

Chuck earned a living for decades as a central storekeeper at NIPSCO, continuing his career at Material Sciences Corp. in East Chicago, retiring in 2020 with a drive-by party outside his beloved home during the pandemic.

Chuck loved bowling, playing golf and watching sports on TV, "anything with a ball bouncing around," he once joked. He was a diehard fanatic for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears, proudly sporting their colors and emblems in public. So much so, that his final outfit after death was in his favorite Bears sweatshirt, sweatpants and socks.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Clarence; and two brothers, Raymond and John. He is survived by two sisters, Karmen and Carol; his brother, Jim; brothers-in-law, Rick, Steve, Mark and Dean; and sisters-in-law, Helaine, Debra, Kim and Edith. His loved ones, including many nieces and nephews, were always there for him, just as he was for them during his life of 80 years.

Chuck never hesitated to help anyone in need, whether it was a neighbor or coworker or stranger. He was kind, funny and lovingly ornery at times. He loved a tasty hamburger, a cold beer, and taking care of his lawn where leaves and high grass were always the enemy.

Chuck kept his word to others, just as Connie kept her word to him for his final wish – to be home. His other wish was to be cremated, with his ashes buried near his mother and brothers at Greenwood Cemetery in Michigan City. He insisted on not having a funeral or memorial service, but a celebration of life will be held at a future date for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, food or other generous gifts to his wife, Connie, she asks that donations be made to Moose Family Center 980, 2107 Welnetz Rd., Michigan, IN 46360, or to VNA Hospice Association, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

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