Leon J. Keilen

Leon J. Keilen, age 93, of Westphalia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 24, 2022. He was born on March 11, 1929 in Westphalia, the son of Walter and Odelia (Platte) Keilen. Leon was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Knights of Columbus. He was a faith filled man who was generous with his time and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Leon and his beloved wife of almost 73 years, Agnes were among the longest married couple in Westphalia. Leon lived a full life where countless memories were made. He was even once brought to a kindergarten show and tell by his granddaughter. His family was his pride and joy, he enjoyed the time he was able to spend with them.

Preceding Leon in death are his parents; brothers, Larry Keilen of Westphalia, MI and Donald Keilen of Fresno, CA; son, David Keilen of Portland, MI; grandson, Adam Keilen of Kalamazoo, MI; and in-laws, Cornelia Keilen of Westphalia, MI, Dan Weber of Saginaw, MI and Tom Droste of Westphalia, MI. Left to treasure his memory are his wife, Agnes M. (Koenigsknecht) Keilen of Westphalia; children, Margaret O. (Robert) Varty of Canton, MI, Mary Lou H. Keilen of Marlette, MI, Richard J. (Joan) Keilen of Hickory Corners, MI, Judith E. Engman of Grand Blanc, MI, Ann J. (Ray) Thelen of Westphalia, MI, Kenneth R. (Ann) Keilen of Westphalia, MI, Grace L. (Al) Wirth of Westphalia, MI, John L. (Josie) Keilen of Little Elm, TX, William M. (Kimberly) Keilen of Westphalia, MI, Dale R. (LuAnn) Keilen of St. Johns, MI, and Jennifer M. (Dan) Pohl of Westphalia, MI; daughter-in-law, Elaine Keilen of Portland, MI; 33 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren with one on the way; siblings, Betty Weber of Saginaw, MI, Janet Droste of Westphalia, MI, Joan (Don) Schmitt of Fowler, MI and James Keilen of Westphalia.

Leon’s five sons will serve as his pallbearers and his sixth son, David will be watching over them from Heaven.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Peter Lawrence at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 28, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. with the rosary being prayed at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia. For those wishing, contributions may be made to the Westphalia Fire Department in memory of Leon. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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