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William Keck Obituary
June 8, 1944 - July 22, 2021
William Charles Keck Jr. of Omaha, NE, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his children on July 22nd, 2021. William (Bill) was born June 8th, 1944 in Columbus, NE, where he spent most of his childhood years. His family eventually moved to Grand Island, Nebraska where he attended high school and met his future wife, Dana Johnson. Soon after high school, they started their family and Bill enlisted in the Navy, where he served the United States for four years on the USS Enterprise. Upon his honorable discharge, he continued his education at Kearney State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree as well as a Masters degree in Counseling and Guidance. These achievements were not fully utilized until he committed himself to a life of sobriety on November 23rd, 1978. From that moment, he devoted his life and professional career to substance abuse treatment programs in Omaha and Central Nebraska. Helping others overcome their addiction to drugs and alcohol was his calling and his passion. Many would say his greatest achievements were the establishment of the Siena/Francis House Miracles Chemical Dependence Treatment Center as well as authoring his published book From Addiction to Miracles. Bill, however, would be quick to point out he was merely following guidance from his partner Saint Therese, "the little flower." Regardless of his inspiration, Bill helped thousands to overcome their addictions and find meaning and purpose during his 43 years of sobriety. His impact was far reaching and knew no boundaries.
Bill was the oldest of 10 siblings and is preceded by his brother, Edward; and his parents, Bill and Shirley. He is survived by his children: Gary Keck, Debbie (Kaylin) Thomas, Dan Keck, Kim Hunting Billie Atkins. He also leaves behind 26 amazing and beautiful grandchildren.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: August 21st, from 10am-12pm, at Florence Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation be sent to the Siena/Francis House in his memory.
Memories and Condolences
for William Keck
Marg Evans
October 31, 2021
dearest Bill, the world is going to miss you. I am already missing you - our sharpest love of St Theresa - remember what I got you for your office. Rachel sends her love and thankfulness, saying you were the best therapist she ever knew - and you know how many she knew !!!The world and the unwanted loved you so much. God will have a wonderful place for you Bill. Love, Marg
Sarah Larson
September 7, 2021
I begged him to take a person I knew to front of list to go into Siena francis and Bill did and Bill sponsored him too. I met him for first time and went out to eat with him. I'll never forget his personality and energy towards doing his best for every person he thought he could try to help. I'll never forget Bill Keck.
Dave Hormann
August 17, 2021
My heart goes out to Gary and family during this time of sadness.
My thoughts go out to the Keck family during this difficult time.
My condolences.
Robert Nash
August 15, 2021
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Bill's. May God bless bless you all. Nashville
Steve Johnson
August 10, 2021
I was a friend growing up in Grand Island and I followed his lifetime of accomplishments from a distance---and there were many many!! He fought the good fight. RIP Bill
John and Nancy Slattery
August 10, 2021
Bill was a person you couldn't forget. He had his challenges but he met them head on while others would not have had his tenacity and focus. RIP Bill! Our prayers are with you and your family.
patricia arellano
August 10, 2021
I am so sorry hearing of bills passing,may he rest in peace,he was a great inspiration friend for me and a good friend growing up.I am sending prayers for the family for our Lord to give them the strength they need to get through this. Pat arellano
Stone and Maggie Lane
August 10, 2021
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Keck family. Bill your are deeply missed.
Emelise Baughman
August 10, 2021
Gary, I´m so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a great man, and will be greatly missed.
Roger Cooper
August 10, 2021
My deepest sympathies go out to the Keck family. What a great man. To my classmates Gary and Danny, love ya man and keep your head up!
Dana Sparrow
August 10, 2021
My most sincere condolences to such an inspirational and devoted man.
Steve Keck
August 9, 2021
When on the phone with PECOS Bill my Brother we would lament or complain about our pains or limitations and sooner or later he would say he was looking out the window at his horse CUTTER and he would remember above all how blessed he was by GOD. He loved life,he loved his family,he loved his friends but most of all he loved GOD. SEE YA WHEN ITS MY TIME BROTHER.
janet voris
August 7, 2021
Bonnie we are so sorry and praying that God will give you the strength you and your family need at this time-God Bless you! Mark and Janet Voris
VFW DISTRICT 10 /FRA BRANCH 276 CHAPLAIN
August 3, 2021
Thank you for your Service May you be Granted Steady winds and Calm Seas on your Journey to a Restful Peace
Kathy Bauman
July 31, 2021
He fought right to the end. RIP
Wanda L Zielinski
July 30, 2021
I met Bill at the VA when he went through treatment. We spoke often when he returned to speak to the clients for many years. Later I saw him at meetings and workshops . He helped many folks find and develop a spiritual way to live life. He will be missed. RIP Bill
Mary Davis
July 30, 2021
Such a meeting they are having! I have known Bill throughout my recovery. He and Dick L., and Art H. were instrumental in my early days. Wonderful people!
Dottie Hill
July 30, 2021
Bill was such a good friend. He and Art shared 40+ years of sobriety with Art always be I,g his sponsor. My prayer is that the two of them are happy, not sick, and finally enjoying their final reward for loving God. I pray to be with them both some day. Dottie Hill
Marc S
July 30, 2021
Thank you for your service
Dan Murphy
July 30, 2021
Bill was monumental in helping me to recover from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. He will be very missed, but his life was a great example of perseverance and love. We will see you soon my friend
Amber Chenier
July 30, 2021
My deepest condolences. Bill was an angel in human form. He will be deeply missed.
Mary (Vanderheiden) Novotne
July 30, 2021
Peace be with him and each of you. Bill was a classmate of mine at Central Catholic. May he Rest In Peace.
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