Jerry Daniel Keeney
September 5, 1931 - May 6, 2022
It was the morning of May 6th, 2022, at the age of 90, that the kind hearted Jerry died and was reunited with his beloved Peggy, his wife of 59 years. He lived a deeply purposeful life. His loyalty to his family and friends, sense of adventure, justice, peace, nature, education, athleticism, holistic living, humor, gentle spirit, wonder and curiosity defined who he was as a person. He was an avid reader, explorer and lover of the natural world. And, he was just so darn sweet and easily laughed at himself.
Born during the Great Depression, he lived his early years in the community of Jackson, Michigan. His father unexpectedly passed away when he was ten years old. Jerry, being the youngest of the family, was raised by his mother, brother, and three older sisters. He was Michigan Center High School class president, but by all reports he was a bit of a rascal and focused on sports, friends and fun! The scholarly Jerry showed up a bit later.
During the Korean War, Jerry’s love affair with words and learning began in the USS naval ship Yancey’s library. After his military service, he went to college with the help from the GI Bill. Jerry embraced a life of continuous learning having attended Central Michigan University, Wayne State University and Harvard University. He was a passionate and unconventional public school teacher who devoted his entire career to teaching at Grosse Pointe North High School. After studying with B.F. Skinner at Harvard University, Jerry was inspired and created curricula for one of the first psychology courses for High School students.
In 1960, Jerry married Peggy Slinger, “the love of his life”. Soon after they had twins, Rebecca and Jennifer and a few years later their daughter Allison. Jerry loved everything about Peggy and beamed every time he saw her or anything she created. He always saw her with the eyes of his heart and expressed that she was the most creative, strong, intelligent, beautiful, caring person he ever knew. Together they lovingly cared for their family and extended family. They were very active in the Unitarian Church, peace movement, civil rights, young adult groups and men and women's liberation. Nearly every day, Jerry and Peggy would find time to sip coffee early in the morning, read to each other, and work on the New York Times crossword puzzle.
Jerry retired to Northern Michigan and continued to volunteer and help educate his community. He reminded us all to “keep the inner child alive!” He became very active in “protecting the Earth for his grandchildren” (as noted on his business card), was a Steward for Michigan Nature Association sanctuaries, Chapter President of the Michigan North Country Trail, and started Get Kids Outdoors programs for Emmet County. When he wasn’t in a meeting, you could find him getting lost in nature, writing letters, dropping in on family and friends, working on his daily list, practicing yoga, cycling and traveling.
Jerry lost his Peggy on March 29, 2019, he then moved to Golden, Colorado to be near family. Even as he slowly lost his neurocognitive ability, he was able to beam that smile of his across a room showing great compassion for all living things. He saw and heard the beauty in people, nature, music, art and always enjoyed a good pun.
Jerry’s love for his family was eternal. His children Rebecca Archer, Jennifer Keeney, Allison Cofone, Michael Cofone - his son in law, and grandchildren Sophia Cofone, Julian Archer, Marisa Cofone, and Gabriel Archer are so grateful for his love and continue to carry his spirit.
Our Dad would love it if you did this in his memory:
Take a walk in the woods or bike
Get a little lost
Admire plants, nature, sounds
Do not rush
Sip on your water bottle
Munch on a energy bar
Read a favorite poem
Practice some yoga
Be peaceful
Volunteer
Recall your favorite memory of Jerry
Gifts in Memoriam
The educational aspect and inclusive approach of Positive Approach to Care (PAC) is something our parents would admire. PAC Enhances life and relationships of those living with brain change. Gifts in any amount are appreciated. For example, $50 will pay for a loved one to attend a “Care Partner Support Series” or a “Champions Course”.
Jerry’s Playlist
Please follow this Spotify link to listen to a playlist of Jerry’s Favorite Songs.
Photo Gallery
