Jack Keddell, Appleton, age 60, saddled up his Harley and rode into the land of sky blue waters … after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jack lived his life doing what he loved: hunting, fishing, woodworking and puttering. He always had a project to work on and time to have a Hamm's beer with a friend. Jack had a gift for storytelling and all who knew him appreciated his gift for words; sometimes colorful, sometimes embellished but always genuine.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Vicki; his children: Shane (Joanna), Mandi (Dave) Dornfeld and Ray Keddell, who will miss him more than words can convey; his grandchildren who adored him: Logan Lorbiecki, Hannah and Callah Dornfeld and Jack and Liberty Keddell; his brothers: Harry (Connie), Richard (Sharon); one sister: Virginia (Dennis); brother-in-law: Ron (Ruth) Solberg; three sisters-in-law: Sharon, Roxann and Darcy; and father-in-law: Ray (Gloria) Rast. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many relatives and friends all over the area. He is sadly missed by his faithful dog, Cooper.

We know that Jack was met by those who passed before, including his parents Art and Millie; his siblings: Connie Solberg and Tom; his mother-in-law: Patricia Keen; many great friends; and his numerous dogs who we know were waiting for him to share a can of Cheez Whiz and crackers.

His family invites you to share a story, a memory and a laugh with them anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at WAVERLY BEACH (N8770 Fire Lane 1 Menasha, WI 54952). We look forward to celebrating Jack's life. He was very adamant that we gather to celebrate his life, not his cancer or his death. Please dress casually and bring a photo if you would like to share it.

In lieu of flowers, our family has established a private fund for dog adoptions at Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary. Instead of flowers we hope to help other families experience the great joy only a rescue dog can bring. We also encourage you to make the time to help a friend, call your family or spend your time doing what you love. That's how Jack wanted us to live.

We would like to express our gratitude to all those who provided care to Jack during his illness. Your care enabled us to go fishing one more time with him and we are thankful for the countless memories we created this last year. We laughed and loved much more than many do in a lifetime; and were able to hear his stories a few more (100) times.

A special thank you goes to Tom and Jean Peters, Jack's best friends, for their love, care and kindness to our family during this time.
In the end it's not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.