Edward N. Keegstra, MD

Edward N. Keegstra, MD, 87, of Stevensville, died Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at his home.  A celebration of Nancy and Edward’s life will take place at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, with a time of sharing from 3-4 p.m.  Those wishing to sign Ed & Nancy’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.   Please no flowers, memorials may be made to The Humane Society of Southwest Michigan.  Dr. Keegstra was born May 12, 1930 in Grand Rapids to Enne “Edward” & Honey E. (Winnie) Keegstra. He attended Oakview School and graduated from Creston High School, Calvin College & Michigan State College.  Ed served in the US Army during the Korean War, stationed at Camp Carson, CO.  On May 23, 1953, he married Nancy Brabb in Grand Rapids.  Ed earned his Medical Degree from University of Michigan Medical School and moved to Benton Harbor in 1959 to serve his internship at Mercy Hospital. Dr. Keegstra opened his private practice in Benton Harbor in 1960 and continued to serve the community for thirty-five years.  During that time he and Dr. Clinton Wilson formed the Emergency Room Association at Mercy Hospital.  After retirement in 1995, he continued to practice at the Berrien County Jail & Memorial Hospital ER until 2006.  Dr. Keegstra and his family enjoyed their summer vacations camping on Honey Island in Long Lake, MI. Many of their friends were part of those adventures. He also enjoyed the time spent in their motor home, traveling across the United States, and even all the way to Alaska.    Dr. Keegstra is survived by his wife Nancy; sister-in-law Dorothy (Joe) Vogt; his children-Bill (Sandy Williams) Keegstra, Tim (Traci) Keegstra, Jane Wilcox, Jo (Al Grabaukas) Keegstra, Piet (Patty) Keegstra; grandchildren-Aaron (Brian) Cookstra, Laura & Katie Keegstra, Garret & Jenna Wilcox, Nick, Ian & Emma Branson, Nathan Keegstra, Matt (Charlie) Keegstra; great-grandchildren-Lily Branson, Hunter & Riley Keegstra; and several nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Amy Keegstra, his parents, and two sisters-Jane Patterson & Patricia Osmer.