I am sorry to learn of Bill's passing.  Like others on here I was also part of the "Big Blue Family" but out of Lansing.  I had the opportunity to work with Bill and Sandy when Flint and Lansing offices were consolidated in the mid-80s.  Talk about an incredible couple - these two were joined at the hip and a powerful sales team.  I had never seen two people happier or more complimentary of each other than Bill and Sandy - they were just adorable.  One year somehow I made their "super-cool list" and invited to a holiday party at their home - just a fantastic evening.  To this day my best entertaining ideas came from that one event - they were terrific hostesses and knew how to show guests a good time.  Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss.  Just know you're in our prayers, and Bill is looking out for you.   The Blue Family and America lost a good one.

I will never stop missing you Bill. Hope there’s lots of golf and scotch wherever you are. There’s definitely more laughter and love because of you❤️

Sorry I can't be with you guys.  Love you all.  Alice Markee


Bill was an administrator and sales associate at IBM in the Flint office. He had a congenial attitude and made the office fun. He sponsored me for membership at Elks club.  I have very positive feelings of my time with Bill. God bless. 

RIP Bill

Gary Pollard
Flint Central Indian

Sandy so sorry to hear about Keels passing. I will keep you and the family in my prayers.
Sending love to you .

Bill was a friend to everyone he met and that included me. Our friendship started over 35 years ago and although we lived miles apart we were very close. 

Over the last twenty years our visits transitioned to a few phone calls a year but they were always great. That was definitely Bill’s gift. - he lifted your spirits, brought positive energy and made you feel special. 

I first met Bill at IBM in Flint and he was welcoming and fun. I admired his partnership with Sandy and how they raised four children together. Bill respected and loved Sandy so much it was beautiful to see. I remember when we made their Christmas card list; I knew we’d hit the big time. The Keels and Dunes didn’t mail their Christmas greetings. If you were lucky enough to be on the “A List” they’d show up at your house with a portable bar and some snacks. You got their full attention and love for the visit. They were the best!!

After we moved away from Flint, we'd speak a few times a year but always on Veteran’s Day and birthday’s. I marked the calls on my calendar so I wouldn’t forget them but that was never a problem. I knew by heart when they were coming up. 

Bill was a hero and he didn’t like to talk about his service to our country. Like many young men, he went to Vietnam because he was called. He once showed me a picture from the paper of him returning home to Flint after being wounded. There were no thank you’s or parades and Bill didn’t dwell on that. Over time he shared a couple of stories from  Vietnam, how he was wounded and his belief that Agent Orange exposure was at the root of many of his health problems. 
It was difficult to see Bill’s health fade but at his core he was the same guy - upbeat and full of love. He loved Sandy and he loved his kids and grandkids. He made me feel special every time we talked. I cherish my time with “The Keels” and look forward to a future greeting from Bill, “Berg-man, it’s The Keels. Where you been brother!” 


Sandy, so sorry for your loss. You and Bill were so warm when I started with IBM in ‘87.  Bill was such a positive guy and his enthusiasm really was catching.   
RIP Bill- you were a one-of-a-kind!

Love,
Tony Fortino 

So where do I start…he knew all my brothers before he knew me…he welcomed me to the IBM family before anyone…he mentored me into the IBM ”way” better than anyone…I have to get the “Dunes and Keels”  names out upfront…that is what we all called them, this is what my kids called them!  Dunes taught me how to sell better than anyone and Keels taught me how to do what I said I would do better than anyone..he was SO good at holding people accountable!!  Why, because he always did what he said he would do, period!  That  is what you do!  It’s now called “Say Do”.  Keels defined this and I kept that with me my whole career…when he moved into Sales…what a partnership we had…we sold so many IBM Credit Corporation/ICC Leases!!  He loved loved loved selling ICC and was so amazing at it!  The best thing about him making sales calls with me…every Christmas time we would shop for the family at Jacobsons in Saginaw after calls at New Century Bank, Mutual Savings and Loan, 2nd National Bank of Saginaw or Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance…or you pick the account he owned them all!  Keels, the other thing I will always remember about you is your passion for baseball…why did you love it?   Because in order to be good at it, you had to appreciate the heritage , the fundamentals, the unwritten rules of the game…oh and also be the best athlete on the field…Keels you were indeed the best athlete on the field!  Love you man and love you Dunes!!!  

Bill and Sandy were dear friends.  Bill was a great pal, unbelievable father to four children, godfather to our son and a Great American.  He and I met in 1971 at IBM after he returned from a tour in Vietnam.  He was a combat veteran, wounded and  exposed to agent orange.  
We became very close, went to Harbor Springs week after week to build his dream  chalet.  After a long day of work and laughs, it was down to The Pier for Strawberry Daiquiris or as Bill liked to say "Lets go have a toddy."  He was a super positive - fun loving guy.  He loved life, loved Sandy and loved his children.  He became a good golfer and we met often at the Flint Elks.  
After IBM, he worked as an Independent Sales rep for several golf related companies.  We would always meet at The annual  PGA Show in Orlando for extraordinary dinners and fun.  
After I moved to Florida, we would  talk at least once a month. 
He would always call me "LintzO" and I would call him "The Keels." When he answered the phone it was always "What's Shakin LintzO?"  
Now it is time to raise a glass and to Toast a Friend and a Hero.  
Hopefully I will see "The Keels" down the road - that would be Grand!  
May God welcome him with loving arms and provide peace, grace and comfort to the family.  

Bill was a great man. No one told stories like Bill. He lived his life to the fullest and never looked back. He was fearless, funny, handsome, loyal and loving. My life is forever changed having known this extraordinary man. Be at peace, Bill. 

Seventy-two years of friendship. I couldn't possibly count the fun times we had or the number of times we laughed. You will always be in my memory and prayers. I will miss not talking to you or  having dinner at Floyds. Be at Peace Brother.

Dave Eder 

OBITUARY

William Andrew Keeler

December 14, 1945 – January 23, 2022

Hill Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services