Keaton D. Rousse

On September 23rd, 2026 the best mechanic we ever knew, Keaton Daniel Rous­se finished his final shift at the age of 33. He was born October 6, 1992 in Bay City, Michigan.

Keaton became known far and wide as the absolute best mechanic in the area. To Keaton, a broken engine wasn’t a problem—it was a puzzle waiting to be solved. He possessed a rare diagnostic mind and a pair of skilled hands that could make any engine purr. Whether he was helping someone stranded on the side of the road, tuning up a classic car, or working late hours at the shop, he poured his whole heart into his craft.

Beyond his incredible talent under the hood, Keaton was known for his generosity, his grease-stained smile, and his willingness to always lend a helping hand. He never turned away someone in need, often fixing cars for friends and family just to keep them safe on the road.

Keaton lived his life with his sleeves rolled up and his hands in the engine bay. He could listen to a car idle and tell you exactly what was wrong, fixing the most complex machinery with an ease that felt like magic. He spent his days restoring power, bringing broken things back to life, and ensuring everyone around him was safe for the journey ahead.

His tools are now quiet, and his workbench is still, but the impact of his hard work, fierce loyalty, and generous heart will live on in every life he touched. He was a son who made his family incredibly proud, showing us every day what it meant to dedicate oneself fully to a passion.

Keaton is survived by his wife of nine years, Morgan; mother and father, Dawn Jolly and Brian (Julie) Rousse; grandparents, Janet Prater, Linda Rousse and Ed Barney; sister, Brianna; brothers, Austin and his children, Hudson and Henry; Peyton, Brian Jr., Cooper and Daniel; the Craddock family, Kara, Kirk, Autumn (John) and their children, Daylend and Huxley, Alexandra and her son, Ragnar; mother and father-in-law, Connie Whelton and Mark Pajak and many other family and friends. Keaton was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Jolly, Katherine Whelton, Thomas Rousse and Sharon Barney and his great grandmother, Elizabeth McCann.

A celebration of life will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the Gephart Funeral Home. Officiating will be Matthew Lampka. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy, may wish to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family.