Francis William Keenan

Keenan, Francis W. Merrill, Michigan Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away February 17, 2016 at his home with his beloved wife, Catherine at his side. Francis was born January 25, 1924, in Merrill, MI the son of the late Frank and Grace (Kelly) Keenan. He served with the U.S. Navy during WWII (1943-46) on U.S.S. New Jersey (BB-62) stationed in the Pacific. Involved in farming, throughout his life; he had various employers and retired as a boiler room operator at St. Mary's Medical Center, Saginaw. He was a lifetime member of St. John XXIII - Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fr. Neuman Council #2291, Knights of Columbus and VFW Post #7302. He married Catherine C. Hart on July 5, 1954 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Saginaw; celebrating 61 years of marriage. After raising his family, he traveled to England, Ireland, Italy with Catherine, they attend numerous U.S.S. New Jersey re-unions, dancing at the Washington Club on Saturday nights, woodworking, playing golf and bowling. He was proud of his Irish heritage and military service. As a grandfather, he coached and attended little league, baseball and football games, swim meets, assisted with Boy Scout activities, and served as a role model for strong work ethic and sense of patriotism. He is survived by his wife, Catherine; children Kelly G. Keenan, Patrick F. Keenan (wife Missy); Dr. Joseph G. Keenan (Sarah); Grandchildren John (Coty), Christopher (Sarah), Kathleen R. Keenan-Tillery (David), Ayden, Connor, Caley Jo, Mary Catherine and Great Grandson Channon; son-in-law William Yauch (Mary Keenan); sisters Kathleen Kennelly (Frankenmuth), Joanne and Phillip Peterson, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin; sisters-in-law Arlene (John) Keenan, Leona (Thomas) Keenan, Patricia (Terry); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his children John (1958), Kimberly Sue (1960), Thomas (1963) and Mary Catherine Keenan Yauch (2013), granddaughter Kelleen Rose (1980) and Jordan Keenan Yauch (2000). Other family members that have passed include John, Tom, Daniel (Dorothy), Mary Grace Lenz, and Terry Keenan; brother in law Bernard Kennelly. Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 am on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at St. John's XXIII (Sacred Heart Catholic Church), in Merrill with military Honors rendered by the U.S. Navy. Interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery will be held at a later date. Friends may visit with the family at the W.L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel in Merrill, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2016. A parish wake service followed by the Knights of Columbus Council #2291. Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. Friends may then call at the church from 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of the funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Jonesfield-Lakefield Volunteer Fire Department or a charity of their choice. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
125 East Saginaw Street
Merrill, MI
United States 48637