Dennis Keen passed quietly on February 7, 2011. Dennis was born March 23, 1950 to Roland and Evelyn (Matzke) Keen of Juda, WI. He graduated from Juda High School in 1968. Dennis received a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He moved to Washington State in 1974 to attend the University of Washington in Seattle. He graduated with a Masters in English and a Masters in Library Science. Mr. Keen moved to Spokane, WA and was an Instructor of English at Spokane Community College (SCC) from 1987 until his recent death. He was known for his outstanding work with students and recognized for his exceptional service and leadership at the College. Generations of students have been impacted by his instruction and will continue to benefit from his three textbooks.
Dennis is survived by his wife Virginia Tomlinson; his daughters Elizabeth, New York City and Olivia, Spokane; sisters: Marilyn (Jack) Michel, Wenatchee, WA; Carol Hasse, Juda, WI; and Mary (Dave Antonneau) Keen, Northfield, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Russ Keen. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 1:30 pm at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Avenue, Spokane. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be designated to the Dennis Keen Memorial Scholarship through the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation or to the CancerCare Northwest Foundation.
Dennis is survived by his wife Virginia Tomlinson; his daughters Elizabeth, New York City and Olivia, Spokane; sisters: Marilyn (Jack) Michel, Wenatchee, WA; Carol Hasse, Juda, WI; and Mary (Dave Antonneau) Keen, Northfield, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Russ Keen. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 1:30 pm at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Avenue, Spokane. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be designated to the Dennis Keen Memorial Scholarship through the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation or to the CancerCare Northwest Foundation.