Charles R. “Charlie” Keim, 68, North Manchester, passed away on December 28, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. The son of John H. and Mamie A. (Smith) Keim, Charlie was born November 28, 1953 in Ritzville, Washington.
Charlie graduated from Manchester High School in 1972, where he played tennis and baseball. After high school, he attended Purdue University. On June 20, 1982, Charlie married Lorena Norris and the two welcomed two children, Zachary and Angel.
In 1999, Charlie returned to his alma mater to become “The voice of the Squires.” The opportunity to mix his passion for sports with his love for North Manchester brought so much joy to his life. Charlie’s energy and enthusiasm was contagious and it didn’t take long for him to become a staple throughout Squire Athletics.
Charlie was a hard worker who took pride in providing a good life for his family. He worked at Peabody Seating Company for 4 years, Cyclone Manufacturing in Urbana for 5 years and Akzo Nobel Coatings in Warsaw for 28 years before retiring in 2015. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching Purdue, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Blues. Charlie also enjoyed watching his son, Zach, play sports and encouraged both of his kids to follow their dreams. He pushed them to do well and was proud of all their achievements. Charlie also loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The loving memory of Charlie Keim will be forever cherished by his wife, Lorena (Norris) Keim, North Manchester; son, Zachary (Peyton) Keim, Fort Wayne; daughter, Angel (Jason) Tuttle, Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Arielle Sizemore, Sierra Cooper, Blake Keim, Hunter Keim, Jensen Keim, Paisley Keim, Rhett Keim and Ember Keim; great-grandchildren, Myra Valdizon, and Esmé Valdizon. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Mamie A. (Smith) Keim.
Friends and family may call on January 3, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Friends and family may also call January 4, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 North High Street, Hartford City, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling. Tim Norris Jr. will officiate and burial will be at Independent Order of the Oddfellows Cemetery, Hartford City, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Charlie Keim, memorials may be made to the Manchester High School Athletic Department, 1 Squire Drive, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.
The family of Charlie Keim has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
To send flowers to Charles’ family, please visit our floral store.