William Charles Keck, Jr. of Omaha, Nebraska passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on July 22, 2021.
"Bill" or "Butch" was born on June 8, 1944 in Columbus, Nebraska to William Keck, Sr. and Shirley Blair Keck, where he spent 15 years of his youth. His family then moved to Grand Island, Nebraska where he attended high school.
He married Dana Johnson of Grand Island, Nebraska 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 in Kearney, Nebraska, 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 November 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, by his selfless service of putting the love of God and the needs of others first.
Bill was the oldest of 10 siblings and is preceded in death by his brother, Ed; and 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.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Siena/Francis House in Omaha, Nebraska. Catholic masses will also be said for Butch.
Memorial service will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Florence Christian Church in Omaha, Nebraska.