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Mike Keenan
Michael Van Keenan, 85, of Scottville, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 7, 2025. Mike was born on November 13, 1939 in Summit County, Ohio, the son of Van H. and Louise (Marzo) Keenan. Mike grew up in Ohio and graduated in 1958 from Hudson High School in Hudson, Ohio. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University and did graduate work at Ball State University and Central Michigan University.
Prior to teaching, he worked at General Motors Parts Division as a stock checker and shipping check for 1 year. He taught at Indian Lake High School in Lewiston, Ohio for five years and then was hired by Baldwin Community Schools where he taught from 1970 to 1972. During that time, Mike served as assistance high school wrestling coach at Mason County Central; his wife, Jan, had been hired at MCC in 1970.
In 1972, Mike was hired by MCC to teach high school earth science, biology, and environmental studies and to coach junior high and senior high wrestling and football. Mike helped develop several MCC Spartan athletes into state champion wrestlers during his tenure and was awarded Michigan Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1979. He was also the father of Grammy Award Winning artist Maynard James Keenen, a 1982 graduate of MCC. Following Mike’s retirement in 1992 he continued to teach adult education for MCC.
Mike truly lived life like he believed. As his son Maynard would say, “He was wild and ungovernable.”
Mike led an interesting life. He was passionate about everything he did and never let life slow him down. Once while driving home from a northern Michigan PowWow on a snowy winter night, Mike was hit by a train that travels at a slow speed through Scottville. The encounter left him with several broken ribs, but he refused to seek treatment, fearing the doctor would keep him from traveling to Helsinki the next week where Mike was participating in a competitive skiing event. Needless to say, Mike made the trip.
Following his educational interests, Mike was an outdoor and environmental enthusiast. You would often find him hiking, biking, skiing, keeping fit and enjoying everything nature had to offer. He was genuine to the core.
Mike will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege to know him, whether a former student, athlete, neighbor, or friend – Mike will be missed! His message to all would be: Be Ungovernable and Be Wild!
Mike will be remembered by his son Maynard and Jen Keenan of Arizona; two grandchildren; his sisters Wanda and Barbara; and many, many great friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives Judith, Jan and Jackie; and his brother Herbert.
Those who wish to remember Mike with a memorial donation are asked to please consider the AZ Raptor Center www.arizonaraptorcenter.org, or the Sedona Wolf Sanctuary www.sedonawolfsanctuary.org – two of Mike’s favorite places to visit with his family.
Please visit Mike’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Mike with his family.
