William Patrick Keena Jr.

William “Bill” Patrick Keena, Jr., 78, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, peacefully passed away on May 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  Bill was born on January 4, 1947, to William and Elizabeth Keena in Grand Rapids. He graduated from Godwin Heights High School in 1966.  In 1966, while working at a gas station, Bill met the love of his life, Joyce Sayer. The two were married in 1968 and shared 56 wonderful years together. Together, they built a large and loving family, raising eleven children: William III, Scott, Elizabeth, Barbara, Patrick, Sarah, Pamela, Shawn, Daniel, Colleen, and Edward.  Bill went on to proudly serve in the United States Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate from 1966 to 1968. After his service, Bill began a lifelong career with the CSX Railroad, working as a brakeman and later a conductor for over 40 years until his well-earned retirement.  Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family, whether it was fishing, golfing, camping, traveling, or simply being outside. He was happiest when surrounded by loved ones. Bill was also a dedicated Detroit Lions fan, enjoyed classic westerns, and often relaxed to the sounds of George Jones and Johnny Cash.  He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Elizabeth Keena; his sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Bruce Beekman; his brothers, Michael and Timothy Keena; his nephew, Jason Keena; and his granddaughter, Addison Keena.  Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Keena; his children and their spouses: William (Jessica), Scott (Heidi), Elizabeth, Barbara, Patrick (Teri), Sarah, Pamela (Ryan) Conrad, Shawn (Michelle), Daniel (Trisha), Colleen (Jacob), and Edward (Lynnette);  his grandchildren and their spouses: Michelle, Scott Jr. (Miranda), Chasidy, Marcellous (Kelly), Ashley, Austin (Ashley), Alison, Alexis, Megan (Mark), Marissa, Kyle, Collin, Dylan, Eric, Kevin, Daniel Jr., Joshua Jr., Caleb, Zachary, Christian, Brennan, Colton, Raelynn, Cameron, Hayden, Nathan, Peyton, Parker, Kyra, Jaxon, Madilynn, Rhylie, Alyssa, Easton, Johnathan, Ainsley, Edward Jr., Gracelynn, Blakely, Drake, Oaklynn; his great-grandchildren: Sophia, Scott III, Harmoni, Grayson, Eleanor, Micah, Eliza, Kaheli, Charlotte, Sunday, and Percival. He is also survived by his brother Kelley Keena (Renae) and sister-in-law Sandra Keena and a large extended family who cherished him deeply.  Visitation will be held at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (MKD), 4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  A rosary will be held Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00 pm.  An additional visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the service on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  A funeral Mass will follow on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Magdalen Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Bill’s memory.  Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion. His laughter, stories, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

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