Arnold Albert Keyes

Arnold “Arnie” Albert Keyes, age 69, of Lansing, MI peacefully passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Arnie was born December 17, 1953 in Alpena, MI, the fourth of five children to Thomas and Lottie (Thomson) Keyes. He graduated from Alpena High School in 1972, received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ferris State University in 1976, and went on to earn his master’s degree in management in 1984 from Aquinas College. In 1980 he married the love of his life, Rose, and later had two children, Geoffrey and Bethany. After a brief stint in Eaton Rapids, they moved to Holt, MI in 1986 and made it their home for the next 35 years. His keen business intuition, extraordinary work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to twice own his own business. His most prized business being Kid’s Quarters, a children’s furniture store with two locations in Okemos, MI and South Bend, IN which he proudly owned for over nine years. The last 11 years of his career he spent with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, an organization and group of people he truly cherished being a part of.

Arnie’s talent in business, however, paled in comparison to his role as an incredible and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was the rock of his family, always gentle and never quick to anger, he thoroughly enjoyed being involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. For his children, the memories of Arnie helping them late at night with math and history homework, and later – even college accounting coursework - is a cherished one. He was also always in attendance for any sports event or extracurricular activity his children were involved in. For his grandchildren, having game nights, tea parties, “guys nights,” and an endless stockpile of cookies, treats, and chocolate milk are just a few of their favorite memories shared with him.

He was a dedicated member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish, the parish he and Rose were married in, serving on the finance council over the last several years. Although Arnie never had the chance to officially retire, he made the most of his free time in recent years with family and friends. He enjoyed going to many plays, concerts, festivals, and sporting events, as well as traveling. Arnie also followed in Rose’s footsteps and took over hosting for many family gatherings. He became quite the cook and enjoyed having holidays and birthday parties at his home.

Arnie was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Rose; his sisters Marian Wolschlager and Shirley Goodrich. He is survived by his children, Geoffrey (Grace) Keyes, and Bethany Keyes; grandchildren, Jude, Maxwell, Elizabeth, and Theresa Keyes; siblings, Ken (Linda) Keyes, and Roger (Terri) Keyes; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Arnie will include a visitation on Thursday, July 20, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes located at 900 East Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A rosary service at the visitation will take place at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish located at 3815 South Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48910 on Friday, July 21, at 11:00 a.m., directly followed by a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution directed to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (www.ihmlansing.org) or Hospice of Lansing (www.hospiceoflansing.org).