Lester Keck, 88, Owatonna

Lester Edwin Keck, age 88, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna.

Lester was born on Dec. 31, 1938, in Dodge County. He was the son of Henry and Selma (Schroeder) Keck and was the seventh of 11 children. He went to county school, St. John’s Parochial school, and graduated from Claremont High School. Lester played football, that year his team won the state championship.

After graduation, Lester worked on his family farm, then prepared for the American Institute for the Civil Service. He loved to dance and met his future wife at the Terp Ballroom in Austin. Lester married Katherine Dostal on Nov. 17, 1956, in Austin. He was married to his bride for 66 years. Lester and Katherine enjoyed traveling, square dancing, camping, and going down south for the winter.

Lester received his honorable discharge for his service in the United States Army Reserves. He purchased a farm in 1967 in Lemond Township where he farmed his entire life. In 1997, he retired when his sons Brian and Bradley took over the homestead because Lester said the equipment was getting too technical for him. Lester loved showing off his flowers, landscaping and gardening, and driving his four-wheeler to watch the crops and was always there for farming updates with his sons.

Lester was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran church of Meriden until 1998 when they joined Good Shepherd Lutheran church in Owatonna. He belonged to the Exchange Club, Farm Bureau, Eagles Club, Dekalb 200-bushel club, Pork Producers and Swine Honor roll in 1979.

Lester is survived by his wife Katherine Keck of Owatonna, daughter, Karen (Scott) Bartsch, Owatonna, sons: Brian (Jodi) Keck and Bradley (Elizabeth) Keck, both of Owatonna, and daughter Elizabeth (Jeremy) Sorg of Dodge Center; nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and five step great grandchildren; sister Barbara (Pat) Lennon, Owatonna, and sister-in-law Jackie (Ron) Keck of California.

Lester was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings: Marvin (June) Keck, Delores (Sidney) Jensen, Bernice (Lloyd) Jystad, Helen (Don) Sahl, Kenneth

(Shirley) Keck, Marlene Keck, Earl (Jeannie) Keck, Mary Ann (James) Yocum, Ronnie Keck and Pat Lennon.

A memorial will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2500 7th Ave. NE, Owatonna, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 26. Friends and family may greet the family two hours prior to the funeral at 9:30 a.m.