Gerald Wayne Keech was a community business leader! On September 20, 1929 he was born to Charles Keech and Clara (Kaplan) Keech, one of seven children. At an early age Gerald recognized hard work had its reward and that investing in people, ideas and dreams made for better communities and enriched lives! From carrying groceries as a kid, to working summers on the Carr Ranch, Gerald put himself wholly into every job with passion..

Gerald was an employee and then service manager of Mullin Brothers International Harvester / Pontiac dealership 1946-1966. Folks soon begin to realize he could fix anything. He was the "McGyver Mechanic" of his time. After working for Archie Mullin, Gerald went across the street and started his own business, The Trade Center. A borrowed grain truck and a rented building launched this new business. A Council Bluffs, Iowa used furniture auction was his initial resource. He continued operating a tractor, truck, car repair shop in the back of the furniture store; and with hard work and long hours, it paid off.

At the same time they built and operated the Dorm on Government Street. Country high school students could stay in the dorm during the week and go home on the weekend. He ran the Trade Center until 2000, and then operated the Consignment Store until 2010. Gerald worked with a team of businessmen to begin the research for building an assisted living center for Valentine. Cherry Hills was completed in 2002.

Gerald graduated from Valentine High (enjoying boxing, track, basketball and football), attended the Valentine United Methodist Church, was active in Rotary, (this July marks his 25 year membership), Sandhills Area Foundation and Hospital Foundation. He loved to golf, work hard, and always make sure everyone else's needs were met before his.

Gerald stepped into the presence of Jesus on July 4, 2015 at the age of 85 from heart surgery complications in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is survived by his wife Norma Jean of 65 years, daughter Pam and husband Dana of Charlotte, North Carolina, son Kevin Keech and wife Linda of northeast, Iowa, daughter-in-law Jennifer Edwards and husband Jeff of Annapolis, Maryland. Also, one brother, Clarence (Bus) Keech of Kearns, Utah. He was preceded in death by his son, Brian. Seven grandchildren, Nathanael, John, Ashley, Josh, Andy, Emma and Brandon always looked forward to spending time with Grandma and Grandpa in Valentine.

If our lives are stories, Gerald lived every day, every page well. With dignity, diligence and integrity he never put his hand to anything that he didn't improve.

Sandoz Chapel of the Pines honors Gerald with funeral arrangements at the United Methodist Church in Valentine, NE at 2:00pm, July 9th, 2015, with burial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Visitation will be on Wednesday at 5:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines.