Howard McKee Obituary

McKee, Howard Alexander of Bonita Springs, FL, rejoined his Lord and Savior on Jan. 26, 2011. He was born on Oct. 12, 1915 on a farm in Adair County, IA to William Alexander & Aurelia Smith McKee. He graduated from Stuart High School in 1932. Possessing skills less suitable for farming, Howard was fortunate to enroll in Central College, Pella IA in 1934. While attending Central, he served as editor of the college newspaper and sports editor for the Pella Chronicle. While in collegehe made the acquaintance of a young sports broadcaster and future U.S. President, Ronald Reagan. Howard graduated from Central College in 1938. Thanks to his speech professor Cumera Van Emerick, awards won at the Iowa state debate championship in 1937 and "a little bit of luck" as Howard would say, he got a $210 scholarship towards the $300 tuition to Northwestern School of Law. He arrived in Chicago by bus in the fall of 1938. He made ends meet with $10 a week from a filing job and the few dollars his married sisters would send him when they could. After graduating from law school in 1941, Howard married Elizabeth McGeachin of Lincoln NE and started a solo law practice in Chicago. The practice of law was put on hold when he joined the army in 1942. Howard served in counter intelligence as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th Army in World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery above and beyond the call of duty, having saved 21 of his fellow soldiers. Howard resumed his Chicago law practice after the war. In 1946, he set up the first law practice in Wauconda IL. With his outgoing personality, knowing no one, he rapidly progressed to knowing everyone. He joined the Lions Club (and some local card games) and established the American Legion Post in Wauconda. The post war real estate boom and suburban growth prompted Wauconda local leaders to seek investors to start a bank in Wauconda. With an initial investment of $500, Howard's career expanded into bank management. Within a year, deposits at the new Wauconda National Bank & Trust Co. topped $1,000,000. Through subsequent investments, he became Chairman of the Board of the bank in 1956. As Chicago's suburbs grew and prospered, Howard's investments in the banking industry grew to include more small community banks. He remained active in bank management until 2000. Howard was a faithful member of the Federated Church of Wauconda since 1953. He served on the Finance Committee in 1960 and helped with the acquisition of the lot next to the church for the parsonage and parking. He lent legal assistance as needed and provided help to church members in need. He was a very generous benefactor of many institutions, including his alma mater, Central College. Enduring legacies of his gifts to Central include academic scholarships, a small auditorium in the student life building, the McKee classroom in the Education, Psychology and Communications building and the Howard McKee Hall dormitory. Howard was an active swimmer and golfer well into his 80's. He attributed his success in life to hard work, hope, faith and "a little bit of luck". He was predeceased by: his parents- William Alexander and Aurelia Smith McKee; two brothers- George and Fred McKee; two sisters- Mellie Bailey and Grace Lamb; first wife Elizabeth McGeachin McKee; and daughter Cynthia Hinman. He is survived by: his children, Janet Griesinger, Bill (Suzy) McKee, Jean McKee Barry, Barbara (Rob) Bays; niece, Phyllis Lamb; nephews, James Bailey and Richard Lamb; grandchildren, Lael Stancazk, Jessica Heydt, Meredith McKee, Greg McKee, Jack Barry and Tim Barry; and great grandchildren- Teaguen, Ainsley and Keely Stanczak, and Calen, Alicia, Genevieve and Trevor Heydt. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sun. Jan. 30, at Kisselburg- Wauconda Funeral Home, 235 N. Main St., Wauconda IL 60084 and on Monday, Jan. 31, from 10:00a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at the Federated Church of Wauconda, 200 S. Barrington Rd, Wauconda, IL 60084. Interment at Wauconda Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the church. For funeral info. 847-526-2115 or sign the guestbook at www.kisselburgwaucondafuneralhome.com