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William Keck Obituary
Memorial service will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 21, at Florence Christian Church. Catholic masses will also be said for Butch. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Siena/Francis House.
"Bill," or "Butch," was born June 8, 1944, to William Keck Sr. and Shirley Blair Keck, in Columbus, where he spent 15 years of his youth. His family then moved to Grand Island, where he attended high school.
He married Dana Johnson of Grand Island and they started their family. Bill enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served 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 master's degree in counseling and guidance.
These achievements were not fully utilized until he committed himself to a life of sobriety on Nov. 23, 1978. From that moment, he devoted his life and professional career to substance abuse treatment programs in Omaha and central Nebraska. Helping others to 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." Butch 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. Butch was an instrument of our Lord, his selfless service of putting the love of God and the needs of others first.
Bill was the oldest of 10 siblings and was preceded in death by his brother, Ed; his parents, Bill Sr. and Shirley (Blair) Keck; a niece; a nephew; and great-nieces.
He is survived by his children, Gary, Danny, Debbie (Kaylin) Thomas, Kim Hunting and Billie Mae Atkins; 26 amazing and beautiful grandchildren; siblings, Bonnie Tilford, Allan, Steve (Cindy), Kathy Buck, Kenny (Teresa), Keven (Alice), Dorothy (Hubert) and Richard; uncle, Bon Blair; aunts, Joy Robertson and Patty Knutson; and 30 nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and cousins.
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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