E. Keith O’Connor

E. Keith O’Connor, age 98, of Comstock Park, joined his wife of 70 years, Betty I. (Taylor) O’Connor; parents, Clifford and Elizabeth O’Connor; parents-in-law, Harold and Gertrude Taylor; sister, Jean Pell; in the arms of our Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 22, 2017. Surviving are his son, Dennis (Cindy); daughters, Maureen (Jim) Dutkiewicz, Pat (Stan) Strelecki, Kathy (Tim) Irwin; brother, Raymond; 15 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. Keith joined the Michigan National Guard while attending Creston High School where he graduated in 1938.  He was called into active duty in 1940 where he served until 1946.  He served in Europe under General George Patton, attaining the rank of Captain and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.  While in combat, he was wounded and received a Purple Heart along with several other medals and ribbons.  While serving in France, he learned and enjoyed speaking the French language.  He co-founded O’Connor-Rice Studio in 1946 where he worked until his retirement in 1983.  Keith earned his amateur radio license (W8KBI) at age 20 and was an avid “Ham” operator.  He served 19 years on the Wyoming Public School Board where he was a past president.  He was a 32^nd degree member of the Masonic Temple.  After retirement, he and Betty moved to Little Pine Island Lake where, in his younger years, he was active in the lake association.  They enjoyed their winters at Betmar Estates in Zephyrhills, FL where he was very active and was a past park president.  A special thank you to the staffs of Green Acres Assisted Living in Allendale and Kindred Hospice.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday 11 am at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Rev. Don Van Slyke.  Interment Rosedale Memorial Park.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 6-8 pm at the funeral home and on Wednesday from 10-10:45 am prior to the service at the funeral home.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project.