James Warren Keckeisen

James Warren Keckeisen passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at Autumn Cottages in Alexandria, MN. He was 93 years old.

Jim was born on February 5, 1932, in New Ulm, MN, to Edward and Margaret Keckeisen. In high school, he lettered in football at New Ulm High School, earning the nickname “Zula.” After games, the team would head to Schell’s Brewery, where free beers awaited, a detail that feels very much of its time and one Jim always enjoyed sharing.

After graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Hawaii during the Korean War. When his service concluded, he returned home and used the GI Bill to earn his undergraduate degree from Mankato Teachers College. His life changed forever when a phone call intended for his roommate was answered by Jim instead. With his signature charm, he convinced Katie to go out with him, beginning a love story that would span 69 years of marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and family.

Jim began his teaching career at North Mankato Junior High School, where he taught History and English and formed lifelong friendships with colleagues and students alike. During summers, he worked at the Continental Can Company and taught Driver Education, always finding meaningful ways to use his time. While raising a family and working full time, Jim continued his education, earning both his Master’s Degree and Specialist Degree in Education.

Following these accomplishments, Jim was selected to serve as Staff Development Coordinator, where he placed, supervised, and mentored student teachers from Mankato State in junior and senior high school classrooms. Jim retired from teaching in 1993 after more than 35 years of dedicated service. He was deeply respected as a teacher, mentor, and steady presence who shaped countless young lives.

Outside of work, Jim found joy in simple, meaningful pursuits. He loved hunting with his sons and his loyal hunting dogs, fishing, and summer trips to Canada with his closest friends for fishing and camping. He also took pride in staying active and strong well into his later years.

Jim also loved to read. Books were a constant presence in his life, and he and Katie were rarely without one close by. He took special joy in teaching his grandchildren how to read, patiently guiding them and encouraging a lifelong love of learning.

And always, there was his pipe. Jim’s pipe was part of who he was. The familiar scent, the ritual, the calm it brought him. For many who loved him, the smell of pipe smoke will forever bring a wave of nostalgia and comfort, instantly calling Jim to mind.

Jim and Katie’s ashes will be scattered at their son Kent’s cabin, a place filled with laughter, love, and countless cherished family gatherings.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Katie Keckeisen. He is survived by his five children: Kurt of Corona, CA; Kay O’Brien of O’Fallon, IL; Kent and wife Beth of Clitherall, MN; Karie of Faribault, MN; and Kasey and wife Jessie of Elk River, MN; as well as seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Jim was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped, the family he adored, the stories that will continue to be told, and in the quiet comfort of memories that still smell faintly of pipe smoke.

Donations in memory of Jim may be made to Vivie Hospice, 2715 Highway 29 South, Suite 103, Alexandria, MN 56308. Please specify Hospice in the memo. Donations may also be made online at vivie.org/foundation by selecting Hospice.