Billy O. Keech

1927 - 2011

Keech, Billy O.

Billy O. Keech, 84, of Janesville, passed away Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011, at Mercy Hospital & Trauma Center. He was born in Elkhorn on March 5, 1927, the son of Elmer and Margaret (Helling) Keech. He grew up in Allens Grove and graduated from Darien High School in 1946. After graduating, Bill worked as a carpenter in the construction business. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954, including a tour of duty in Korea. After returning from Korea, he married the love of his life, Laurene Rowley on May 8, 1954, in Whitewater. The couple resided in the Delavan area until moving to Janesville in 1987.

Bill was a self-taught carpenter who worked as a superintendent on commercial construction projects building several Wicks Lumberyards out of state as well as schools and hospitals in the area. Bill and Laurene literally built their own homes after work and on weekends. He was a member of Cargill United Methodist Church, Untied Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 161 and American Legion Post 205. Following Bill's retirement, he and Laurene did extensive traveling to many states, including Hawaii. Camping and fishing were favorite activities for 20 years along with spending winters in Florida for 10 years until Bill's health failed. He loved watching the Green Bay Packers, but the highlight of his life was always his family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Laurene of Janesville, a son, David (Kim) of Wisconsin Rapids, two daughters, Cheryl (Mick) Cook of Fond du Lac and Marlys (Jim) Carney of Rochester, Minn., grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kayla Keech of Wisconsin Rapids, Kara and Kyle Faucett of Fond Du Lac, Colin (Brittany) and Kelsey Carney of Rochester, Minn., Ethan Carney serving with the U. S. Army in Iraq; a great-grandson, Giovanni Carney of Rochester, Minn., with another great-grandchild on the way, and his special kitty, Miley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Milo, four sisters, Irene Krohn, Neva Wojtkunski, Eldora Degan, Janet Keech and a son-in-law, Mike Faucett.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at Cargill United Methodist Church, 2000 Wesley Ave., Janesville, with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m. Friday at the church. The Rev. Forrest Wells will officiate. Burial will be in the Richmond Cemetery with military rites conducted by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post 1621.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Billy & Laurene Keech family scholarship fund at Delavan-Darien High school. The Keech family is being assisted by Henke-Clarson Funeral Home. www.henkeclarson.com.