Kathleen Margaret Keckeisen

Kathleen Margaret Keckeisen, known to all as Katie, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, at Nelson Care Center in Alexandria, MN. She was 91 years old.

Born on July 3, 1934, in Mankato, MN, Katie was the daughter of George and Margaret Kelly. She grew up attending Catholic schools, where she once learned a memorable rule: if you sat on a boy’s lap, you’d better put a thick phone book between you first.

Katie’s life changed forever when she met her husband, Jim. While working as a phone operator at the Mankato Telephone Company, she called to confirm a date with Jim’s roommate. Jim answered instead, and—with his charm—persuaded her to go out with him instead. That spark led to 69 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and family.

Katie lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. She shared her gifts generously, teaching Sunday School, leading Camp Fire Girls, and organizing bingo at the nursing home. She had a beautiful singing voice and lifted her voice in song with the St. John’s Catholic Church choir for many years. Her family treasures the voicemail recordings she left—singing “Happy Birthday” or “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”—so her voice could always be with them.

A true people person, Katie loved her bridge group and the joy of gathering with friends. She was fiercely loyal, endlessly loving, and always comfortable being in charge. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and devotion.

Her ashes will be scattered at her son Kent’s cabin, a place filled with family memories and laughter from countless happy gatherings.

Katie is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jim, of Alexandria, MN; her brother Mike Kelly and wife Judy, of Rochester, MN; her 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.

Katie was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. Her presence will live on in the simple joys she shared – from the warmth of her homemade chili and Rice Krispie bars to the voices, laughter, and stories of those who carry her memory forward.

Donations in memory of Katie may be sent to: Vivie Hospice, 2715 Highway 29 South, Suite 103, Alexandria MN 56308. In the memo please specify Hospice. https://vivie.org/foundation, click make a donation, select Hospice.