Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan to Host Celebration of Life Event for Dave Keilitz
7/23/2026 4:19:00 PM | Baseball, General, Our Stories
Celebration of Life for Dave Keilitz will take place on Saturday, August 8 at 1 p.m. at McGuirk Arena.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – The Dave Keilitz Family along with Central Michigan University will host a Celebration of Life event for former Chippewa athletic director, baseball coach and baseball student-athlete Dave Keilitz on Saturday, August 8 at 1 p.m. in McGuirk Arena. The event is open to the entire Mount Pleasant community, including CMU alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
A Midland, Mich. native, Keilitz spent a total of 66 years in the Mount Pleasant community. He originally arrived in Mount Pleasant in 1960 as a student-athlete. As a player from 1961-64, he helped lay the foundation for what CMU Baseball would become as he became the first player in program history to earn All-America honors. After serving as an assistant coach for eight years, he took over the baseball program in 1971, As head coach, he transformed the program into a consistent winner, compiling more than 450 victories, capturing four Mid-American Conference championships, and making six NCAA Tournament appearances.
After leaving the dugout, he continued to serve Central Michigan University as director of athletics from 1984-94. He also served as the executive director of the American Baseball Coaches Association from 1994-2004.
He passed away peacefully on July 15 in North Carolina, surrounded by his family.
"Dave Keilitz was one of the most influential figures in the history of Central Michigan Athletics," Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said. "He excelled as a player, coach, and administrator, leaving behind a legacy defined by respect, humility, and kindness. It was both a pleasure and an honor to know Dave as a mentor. He was in a class of his own. Dave will forever remain an integral part of the fabric of Central Michigan University, CMU Athletics, and the greater Mount Pleasant community. His impact will be felt for generations to come."
"Our hearts and sympathy go out to Sue, Craig, and the rest of the Keilitz family."
For anyone interested in donating a gift in his memory, please direct all memorial gifts to the Dave and Sue Keilitz Family CMU Baseball Endowment at this link. All checks can be mailed to Carlin Alumni House, 524 E. Bellows Street, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.
A Midland, Mich. native, Keilitz spent a total of 66 years in the Mount Pleasant community. He originally arrived in Mount Pleasant in 1960 as a student-athlete. As a player from 1961-64, he helped lay the foundation for what CMU Baseball would become as he became the first player in program history to earn All-America honors. After serving as an assistant coach for eight years, he took over the baseball program in 1971, As head coach, he transformed the program into a consistent winner, compiling more than 450 victories, capturing four Mid-American Conference championships, and making six NCAA Tournament appearances.
After leaving the dugout, he continued to serve Central Michigan University as director of athletics from 1984-94. He also served as the executive director of the American Baseball Coaches Association from 1994-2004.
He passed away peacefully on July 15 in North Carolina, surrounded by his family.
"Dave Keilitz was one of the most influential figures in the history of Central Michigan Athletics," Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said. "He excelled as a player, coach, and administrator, leaving behind a legacy defined by respect, humility, and kindness. It was both a pleasure and an honor to know Dave as a mentor. He was in a class of his own. Dave will forever remain an integral part of the fabric of Central Michigan University, CMU Athletics, and the greater Mount Pleasant community. His impact will be felt for generations to come."
"Our hearts and sympathy go out to Sue, Craig, and the rest of the Keilitz family."
For anyone interested in donating a gift in his memory, please direct all memorial gifts to the Dave and Sue Keilitz Family CMU Baseball Endowment at this link. All checks can be mailed to Carlin Alumni House, 524 E. Bellows Street, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.
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