"Sorry to hear that John has died. He was our high school classmate, John Marshall, Class of '64. Saw him and talked to him at the 50th and 55th reunions (55th being just this past September in Rochester). I know he spent many years caring for and watching over your mother. (His brother Ron was a school mate of mine through most of our elementary years at Hawthorne School.) Farewell, John. Your classmates will miss you. "
In loving memory of
John Keckhafer
August 8, 1946 - November 27, 2019
John H. Keckhafer, 73, of Rochester, MN passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at Rochester Health Services West.
John Henry Keckhafer was born August 8, 1946 in Rochester, Minnesota the son of Henry and Betty (Peck) Keckhafer. He was a graduate of John Marshall High School in Rochester. John enlisted into the United States Navy and served on board the USS Valley Forge and USS Tripoli during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged serving a 10 year career. After the service, he worked as a heart and lung technician at the University of San Diego and the Naval Hospital in San Diego. In 2005, he returned to Rochester, MN and cared for his mother.
John enjoyed woodworking and being the handyman at his complex in San Diego. He also enjoyed his monthly trips to Treasure Island Casino and watching 60's tv shows; including Gunsmoke and MASH.
He is survived by his siblings, Marie (Ray) Siewert of Rochester, MN, James (Laurrine) of Eyota, MN, Gerald (Kristine) of Rochester, MN, Dennis (Joan) of Grand Rapids, MN; five nieces and three nephews; seven great nieces and two great nephews; two great great nieces and one great great nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Ron and Tom. He is also survived by a special friend Jodi of Rochester, MN.
A visitation will be held 10:00 to 11:00 am Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901. A graveside service will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery with full military honors. A Celebration of John's life will be held at a later date.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Keckhafer family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Tributes
"John was such a nice guy, always thinking about others rather than himself. We shared pictures for our family history records and I enjoyed my visits with him and his mom, my Aunt Betty. Will miss you John!"
"Hey Jim and the rest of the family sorry to hear of your brothers passing, my sympathies to all. Bruce Chance"