Donald Keck

Rev. Donald Charles Keck, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away after a lifetime of faith and service on October 27, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. Born on October 29, 1934, at Norwegian American Hospital in Chicago to Charles R. Keck, who died on Jan 10, 1960, in Elgin, Illinois and Helen Margaret (Wirth) Keck Keener, who died on April 3, 2008, in Palatine, Illinois. Don’s early years in Chicago and Fox River Grove shaped his enduring values of gratitude, resilience, and compassion. He answered the call to ministry as a young man, embarking on a 43-year career as a United Methodist pastor, touching countless lives with his storytelling, humor, and steadfast faith.

While attending Milliken University, he preached his first sermon at his hometown church in Fox River Grove in 1953. In June of 1957, he was ordained Deacon as a Methodist Minister in Colorado Springs. After receiving his Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology, Don was ordained an Elder in the Rock River Conference in June of 1959. Throughout his ministry, Rev. Keck served numerous Methodist and United Methodist congregations including Wheatridge and Englewood Methodist Churches in Colorado, and in Illinois: Long Creek at the age of 19, Pecatonica and German Valley, Yorkville and Millbrook, Palatine: First, Elmhurst: First, Waukegan: Faith, Rockford: Aldersgate, Glen Ellyn: First, Northbrook: North Northfield, and Elgin: Faith/Cornerstone. He was instrumental in guiding churches through times of growth and challenge and played a pivotal role in the founding of Cornerstone United Methodist Church.

Don’s greatest joy was his family. Family gatherings, camping and cottage’s trips, pinochle, trains, Donald Duck (who also debuted in 1934), Chicago Cubs games, and holiday celebrations were treasured traditions. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy, his son-in-law, Jose, and his beloved wife of 57 years, Susie, who was always willing to take second place behind his devotion to God. Don's family includes four children, Linda D. Cordle (Steve), Ann L. Diaz (Jose), Andrew J. Keck (Carla), and Matthew C. Keck (Keri). Grandchildren include Josh S. Cordle (Christina), Jonathan M. Cordle (Anika), Daniel J. Cordle (Sarah), Aaron U. Diaz (Vanessa), Archie B. Diaz (Kaylene), Kate D. Keck (Danny Everett), Rachel L. Keck, Alex C. Keck, Noah T. Keck, and Ella S. Keck, and great-grandchildren, Logan, Hope, Grayson, Ezekiel, Lorelai, Urijah, Charlie, Rory, and Emory. He is survived by his sister, Doris Manock, of Palatine, Illinois and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Don’s legacy of storytelling and faith will live on through many generations.

In retirement, Don continued to inspire through his writing, genealogy research, and community involvement for 21 years in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina overlooking the mountains that he loved and then in Frisco, Texas to be closer to family. His life was a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and love. Rev. Keck’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and his journey of service and devotion remains a guiding light for his family, friends, and the many congregations he served, both formally and informally.

A memorial service will be held on November 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church located at 3521 Main St, Frisco, TX 75034 and will be livestreamed at https://gasanctuary.online.church/. May his memory be a blessing, and may his story encourage others to live with purpose, gratitude, and grace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Avenue UMC at https://www.graceavenue.org/giving/ or any of the churches he served. Please add "Don Keck Memorial" in the memo or notes area. Funds at Grace Avenue UMC will be used to support the Handbell Ministry.

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