Kip Wade Keesey, age 50, of Winnetka, Illinois, died Friday, March 22, 2013, at his home. Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial visitation will held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at the Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home in Wilmette, IL. It will be followed by a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be left for the family at www.wmscottfuneralhome.com.
Kip was born January 1, 1963, in York, Pennsylvania, the son of Dennis Lee and Judith Ann (Hutcheson) Keesey. He graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa and then received his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa. He married Catherine Adler on March 11, 1989. They had two children, Caroline Adler and Ben James.
Kip started his career with FCB in Chicago and then went to DDB from where he transferred to Munich, Vienna, London, and back to Chicago. Most recently he was the SVP Director of Business Development for McDonald's global business. Kip was with DDB for over 22 years.
Kip was a great storyteller who inspired and entertained those around him. He collected art from his travels and loved creative pursuits. He was a dedicated father and loved his children.
Kip is survived by his daughter Caroline, his son Ben, his former wife Catherine, his parents Dennis and Judith, his brother Jon (Tara), his grandmother Emma, and nieces and nephews.
Kip was preceded in death by his sister Kelly, his grandfather James, his grandfather Howard, and his grandmother Olga.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to
Jon Keesey,
Keesey Education Fund
1713 Forest Hills Drive
Dixon, Illinois 61021
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 6, 2013
Peter Beaumont
April 5, 2013
Ysabel Neuhaus
To Catherine and the family
It's with great sadness I learned about Kip passing away prematurely. As one of the most inspirational people I ever had the chance to work with, he was always optimistic and with an ability to see opportunities where others only could see problems, bringing a unique aura of happiness to the workplace which none of us who worked with him at DDB will ever forget.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy
Ysabel
March 31, 2013
Ryan
Kip was always my "cool" cousin. I have early, fond memories riding on the gas tank of his motorcycle in Clinton at Uncle Den and Aunt Judy's. He was such an interesting an engaging guy, so many great stories and sincere advice. He, and you, have been in my thoughts. My condolences.
March 30, 2013
It was one of my nicest time in my life to live with the Keeseys (Kip, Catherine, Line and Ben) for more than two years in Vienna.
Kip was a great man, wonderful father and a real friend.
He was so open and friendly person.
I just can't belive he is gone...
Judy and Dennis, God gives you strength.
Krisztina, from Hungary
March 29, 2013
Renee Hansen-DiSabatino
March 28, 2013
To Catherine and the Keesey family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We have such great memories of our time in Vienna when we visited our son Todd there. You and Kip were so kind and welcoming to us, eager to show us a good time. He is truly an unforgettable character who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
Please accept our sincerest sympathy.
Dave and Susie Brandes
March 28, 2013
Julia Heinemann
Dear Keesey Family, especially Caroline and Ben!
We are very sorry to hear you have lost a loved wonderful person.
Kip's memory will live on in you. We havn't met him often enough! You are in our thoughts and we wish you strength at this very hard time.
With Love, Julia, Frank, Lucas and Lotta
March 28, 2013
Brian Weaver
The Keesey Family. I was privileged to work with Kip in my international role at McDonald's in the mid 90s.He was a truly wonderful individual, larger than life with a wicked sense of humor. Gone way too soon.
Rest in peace,Mate
March 28, 2013
To Dennis and Judith and Family
I just heard of Kip's passing. So sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed. So young and so much to live for with his young family.
I know he was a great son and terrific Dad; all will have memories.
I will be in touch and I send my love to you all. Prayers and Thoughts to you all.
Love Martha Truax
March 27, 2013
Jim & JoNett Butler
We send our sympathy to the Keesey Family during this difficult time. Kip will certainly be missed and left a wonderful legacy for his children and family with tributes from friends worldwide.
March 27, 2013
Peter Beaumont
So sad to lose Kip. A dear friend who shared a common goal of serving McDonald's when we were in Vienna. We laughed, cried and drank our way round Eastern Europe whilst helping our client to push new boundaries. A wonderful sense of humour and raconteur, but much more. He was generous and truly cared. I miss him already!
Peter Beaumont
March 27, 2013
Peter Beaumont
Kip was a wonderful friend to me when we worked on the McDonald's business together in Vienna. We laughed, we cried and drank together around Eastern Europe whilst we helped our client to push the boundaries into more countries.
He was the one of the funniest people I have met, but more...he was very generous and caring! I already miss him! And am so sad I couldn't be there yesterday!
Peter Beaumont
March 27, 2013
Valter Calamita
Dear Keesey family. Kip was a dear friend with some of the most interesting stories and one of the most beautiful hart in the world.
My thoughts and prayers with you.
Valter Calamita - Brazil
March 27, 2013
Heike Ramon
Kip: a witty, creative, humorous, funny and smart man.
A beautiful and warm soul. My friend.... we will miss you so very much! Heike, Gat, Julian, Pia, Maya
March 27, 2013
Sigrid, Moritz, Isabel Adler
Kippy,
can't believe you are gone! We miss you sadley as the best brother in low, the big american uncle, the good fellow, the real player, the fantastic entertainer and mostly we miss you as the daddy with your tender and loving care for Lini and Benny.
Love to the family!
March 27, 2013
Laurie Burlingame Farmer
Dear Judy & Dennis Keesey, I remember oh so well, how full of life, Kip was in high school, when Kelly and the rest of us were planning our trip to Europe. I am so sorry for your loss.
March 26, 2013
Cyrus and Afsaneh Kooshesh
Dear Keesey family; There's no word that can express how sorry we were to hear about Kip's death. We were very stunned to hear the news and still can't believe that it really happened.
Afsaneh and I feel we have lost a close family member. As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Kip.
March 26, 2013
Susanne Adler
Such a sad message to hear that Kip has gone. We did not meet that often, but when we did, it was always a warm and familiar atmosphere with him. Our feelings are with the whole Keesey family and his friends.
March 26, 2013
Glen & Lottie Lomas
Our condolences go out to the Keesey family and to all his many friends. He meant so much to so many. Thank you for making our life that bit richer Kip. It was a truly great privilege to have known you. We will miss you enormously.
March 26, 2013
Our friend Kip shared with us good and bed moments. He will be truly missed in Warsaw, because we see a part of him in what we are today.
Marcin, Pawel, Szymon
March 26, 2013
Dee Brooks
March 26, 2013
Patrick Larsimont
My deepest condoleances to Kip's family and friends. He was truly great guy and a larger than life character. The sort of guy that makes other people's lives richer for having met him and known him. I will miss the great laughs and straight talking. Thanks my friend and rest in peace.
March 26, 2013
najam khawaja
Kip will be missed by so many in the middle east region. He leaves many friends and lovely memories behind.
I am sad and shocked to hear of his death. Condolences to the family, my heart goes out to you at this unfortunate loss.
Najam Khawaja ( Dubai )
March 26, 2013
Elizabeth Mosier
Thank you Judy and Dennis for bringing such an amazing, wonderful, talented and big-hearted soul into the world. Kip's light will shine forever in the hearts of so many, but none more than his beautiful children. I will miss him dearly.
With love and much sadness,
March 26, 2013
Bettina Oguamanam (born Habermann)
I am very sad to hear that Kip died.
We lost contact when he left Hamburg many years ago.
My condolences go out to the whole family.
You will be missed Kip!
March 26, 2013
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Penny Proud Wagoner
March 26, 2013
John Gildea
An incredible loss - I have wonderful memories of time spent with Kip in London. My sincere condolences to the Keesey family.
March 26, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. Jean Yamauchi - Clinton High School Classmate
March 26, 2013
To the Keesey family, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Tsitsi Dhlamini (South Africa)
March 26, 2013
Alexandra Hennig
I will always remember his visits to the Paris office and his stories about Joe and him travelling (...). But the most precious souvenir I have, was when Kip tried to teach me how to play Black Jack at the DDB conference in Puerto Rico. It took one second and my money was gone ! My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
March 26, 2013
Viola Heinemann and family
We are saddened to hear of your sudden loss and our thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow.
„I am not dead,
I am only changing rooms.
I live in you
And walk through your dreams.” -Michelangelo Buonarroti
March 26, 2013
Joe Paolino
So many great moments shared with Kip and his family. He will truly be missed, and he has left many of us with memories of better times, and of friendship.
March 26, 2013
Antoinette Courtney brette
It is with great sadness I learned for Kip. I have very fond memories of his visits to the Paris office. Please accept my condolences and my thoughts are with his family and friends.
March 25, 2013
Teri (Walsh) Snell
To the Keesey family, my sincerest condolences in your loss. He was a classmate of mine at Clinton High School.
March 25, 2013
Lisa Jorgensen Leslie
I am so sorry for your loss! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
March 25, 2013
Linda Price Kumar
Judy and Denny, you and your family are in my prayers
March 25, 2013
Melanie Habermann
So sad hearing about the death of Kip. We had been quite good friends when he was living in Hamburg about 25 years ago. Even if we had lost contact since that time I will always remember Kip as a very funny and brilliant person. Melanie
March 25, 2013
Myriam Vander Elst
I was lucky to be able to work for Kip during his DDB London years and it was the most crazy, stimulating, interesting, endearing experience I've had. I know that all of us on his team would have gone to the moon and back for him, we loved him so much. Kip was charismatic, witty, generous, cunning as a fox, open-minded and deeply human.
I remember Kip inviting us to his magnificent house and initiating us to deep-fried chicken... I remember him so proud of his family...and his Porsche, and his dog, in that order..
Kip you were a star. The world was a much more interesting place with you in it.
March 25, 2013
Jessie Trepanier
Caroline, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your father was clearly a wonderful person and raised you to be the same. Sending you love and support. Your DWLLC family.
March 25, 2013
To the memory of a larger-than-life man who'll be missed by all he touched; the world's a little smaller today.
With deepest sympathies, R Fields + Family (London)
March 25, 2013
Boris Zolyniak
Kip, those who know you will remember you with a smile on their face. Thanks for all the great conversations and advice. God bless you! My thoughts are with your kids, family, friends and colleagues. My deepest sympathy.
March 25, 2013
Judy & Denny, you & your family are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Sue & Tom Nestor
March 25, 2013
Russ Ganim
So deeply sorry to hear of this loss. We send warmest condolences and all best wishes your way.
March 25, 2013
We'll remember him full of life, a dear friend, a wonderful story-teller, a kind son-in-law.
Heidrun Adler, Hamburg, Germany
March 25, 2013
Jessie Trepanier
Caroline, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts break for you..your father sounds like a wonderful person. He certainly raised you to be the same! With love and prayers, your DWLLC family
March 25, 2013
Bernard Brochand
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely
March 25, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely
Bernard Brochand Cannes, France
March 25, 2013
Franck Perrodo
His family, friends and colleagues at DDB will greatly miss Kip's genuine kindness. Kip had this rare gift he shared with anyone who met him, got to know him and whom, as Midas with gold, he would transform in a friend.
March 25, 2013
Helga Strnad
Gonna miss you so deeply Kip!!!! My honest condolence to the family!
March 24, 2013
Rebecca kane
May God bless all of the Keesey family today and always.
Rebecca and Paul Kane
March 24, 2013
Dee Crockett
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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