Michael William Keenan

Michael "Mike" William Keenan passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, in Stilwell, Kansas, at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 7, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mike lived a life marked by dedication to his family, career, and community.

Mike graduated from De La Salle High School in Kansas City, MO in 1967. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran, serving honorably from 1968-1972 as a hospital corpsman with the United States Marines. His military service was a source of great pride, and he maintained lifelong friendships with fellow service members. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in Management, Accounting, and Finance from Rockhurst University in 1979.

Professionally, Mike was a visionary entrepreneur and leader, serving as CEO and Chairman of Heatron, a leading manufacturer of electric-heating solutions in Leavenworth, Kansas and Erie, Pennsylvania. He devoted 35 years to the company, beginning in 1980 and retiring in 2015. Under his guidance, Heatron flourished, serving industries such as medical, aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. Heatron was recognized as a finalist for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 1993.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike was a man of diverse interests and passions. He found joy in woodworking, golf, and coin collecting, and he cherished the time spent with his family. His commitment to service was evident through his participation in various charitable organizations and events.

Mike was an esteemed member of numerous professional and community organizations, including the Kansas City Entrepreneur Network, Queen of the Holy Rosary Wea Church, Knights of Columbus, Vistage Executive Group, Advanced Manufacturing Institute, and Kansas City Manufacturing Network. He also served as a board member for the Brothers in Blue Reentry Charitable Organization.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, John and Edna Keenan, and his grandparents, John B. and Mary Keenan, and Basil and Kathleen Cox.

Mike's legacy lives on through his loving family, including his devoted wife of 55 years, Marsha; his sons, Dan and Sean Keenan; daughters-in-law, Katie and Kasia Keenan; grandchildren, Emma, Michael, Joel, Elizabeth, Kellen, John Paul, Rose, Christian, and Sienna;  his brother, Patrick Keenan and his wife Dorothy; sister-in-law Diane Colvin; and two nephews, Kyle and Dustin.  He leaves behind countless friends and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Mimi’s Pantry KC, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN #83-1461100). Your generosity will help support their mission of providing food assistance to those in need.

Mike Keenan will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, compassionate spirit, and enduring contributions to all who knew him.

Services will take place on Friday, November 14th, 2025 at Queen of the Holy Rosary - Wea Catholic Church. A rosary will be prayed at 9:30am, with visitation from 10 to 11am, and Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. He will be laid to rest at the Queen of the Holy Rosary cemetery following the mass.