Chelsea Mayor Jason Lindauer began the June 25 City Council meeting with a tribute to John Keusch, who died on June 9 at 103 years old.
Lindauer called Keusch and his wife, Madeleine, who preceded him in death at 104 years old on Jan. 24, 2012, “true pillars of this town for more than 100 years.”
“They were highly esteemed and fondly thought of for many reasons: their passion for justice in all walks of life, for their modesty, for their abiding love for each other, for the City of Chelsea and her citizens and for their cherished affection for the University of Michigan.”
Keusch, an attorney, knew the history of almost everything in Chelsea, and Lindauer called him “the definitive source for all facts pertaining to the history of this city and those who called Chelsea home.” 
Lindauer said that “upon introduction, Keusch made a point of respectfully recalling many of your neighbors that he knew, the schools they attended and the community projects they were involved with.”
Keusch was Lindauer’s next-door neighbor on Washington Street for many years.
“John didn’t just meet you, he took the time to know you,” the mayor said.
He is survived by niece, Mary (George) Condy of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, nephews Robert (Jan) Weber, McCordsville, Indiana, and Edwin (Theresa) Weber, Brighton, Michigan, eight great and ten great great nieces and nephews, and four honorary granddaughters, Anna E. Flintoft, Carrie M. Flintoft, Rebecca J. Flintoft, and Jessica Madeleine Flintoft.
“As a true leader in the business community, as a watchful guardian of the common man’s welfare, as a community treasure and as a much beloved neighbor, John Keusch will be dearly missed and always fondly remembered.”
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice.
And as Keusch always said in closing, “Stay Strong.”
