Lonnie "Lonzo" Keck of Belleville, Ill. passed away on September 5, 2022 at the age of 66.

Lonnie was born on November 27, 1955 to Clifford "Bud" Keck and Janeita, nee Schroeder, Keck. He grew up a farm boy, and attended O'Fallon Township High School and Ranken Technical Institute. His younger years were filled with chickens, sheep, cattle, and plenty of fishing. As he entered his teenage years, Lonnie turned an old corn crib into a clubhouse called "Lonzo's," and that nickname stuck around until his passing.

If you knew Lonnie, you have a story to tell and most likely will be laughing while you tell it. He was different things to different people; a friend, coach, neighbor, customer, competitor, patient, boss, landlord, cousin, uncle and brother. What he still is, is unforgettable.

Lonnie is perhaps most well-known for his time as a beloved slow pitch softball team manager. He managed the same team, Lonzos, for 30 years, traveling around the state of Illinois to compete. Over the years of his life when slow-pitch softball reigned supreme, an ever-growing group of dedicated friendships were formed. His love for and commitment to softball earned him a spot in the Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame in 2015 for coaching.

Lonnie loved agricultural and outdoor life. He worked as a farmhand for Schwarz Farms and into retirement worked as a property manager. He also continued to raise sheep on the pastures of the family farm.

We will remember him fondly, as we imagine him reuniting with family, friends, and Lonzos' team members who have gone before him.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Janeita. He is survived by his sister, Linda (Clyde) Bossler of O'Fallon, his nephews, Andy Bossler of Decatur, Ill. and Eric (Abby Winter) Bossler of Seattle, Wash., his grand-niece, Ruth Bossler of Seattle, Wash., and countless friends and teammates.

Memorials can be offered to Randy's Rescue Ranch or Family Hospice and received at the funeral home. Sign the online guest book at wfh-ofallon.com.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 12, 2022, with visitation also one hour before the service at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Martha Thierheimer officiating. Interment will be next to his parents at College Hill Cemetery in Lebanon, Ill.