John L. Keimig, age 82 of Prior Lake, entered eternal life on Saturday, September, 7, 2019. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 11AM with a visitation beginning at 9AM, all at St. Michael Catholic Church, Prior Lake. John will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside and John’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers.
On May 9, 1937 in Gary, SD, parents Joseph and Armetha (Miller) Keimig celebrated the birth of their son, John. He was the fourth of fourteen children to be raised near Burr and Hendricks, MN. During his youth, John spent his days helping on the family farm. This instilled a deep appreciation for family and working hard.
During high school, John met younger schoolmate Claretta Kontz on the school bus. After several attempts of charming her, John finally won Claretta over. At the Church of St. Peter in Gary, SD, the young couple exchanged wedding vows on April 10, 1956. This union was blessed with 63 years of marriage and a loving family.
Following his graduation from Canby High School, John began working as a heavy machine operator for a road crew. In 1960, John’s job brought the family to the Prior Lake area. Soon after, he started excavating for Lawrence Schweich and Cy Schweich Construction. In his later years, John ran a pallet recycling business with his son Jeff.
When he wasn’t working, John enjoyed camping, fishing in Canada, and hunting in the Black Hills near Hill City, SD. With all six children in tow, the family often visited relatives in Canby and went up north to Farm Island. The family’s house was always a hub of activity! John made everyone—family, friends, and neighbors—feel welcome. A true family man, John was especially proud to be a grandpa and great-grandpa. He loved them deeply and supported them in any way possible.
John lived his life with strength, dignity, and faith despite many health setbacks and the devasting death of his grandson John Patrick Keimig. During the good times and bad, John relied on his faith in Jesus to carry him.
After praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, John went home to Heaven. He was greeted by his grandson, John Patrick Keimig; parents, Joseph and Armetha; siblings, Joseph Keimig, Elizabeth Smith, Donny Keimig.
John is loved and missed by his wife, Claretta; children, Jeff (Terri) Keimig, Steve (Wendy) Keimig, Ed (Kari) Keimig, Lori (Jeff) Ferris, Mari Jo (Jon) Estabrooks, Darin “Curby” (Paula) Keimig; grandchildren, Nicole (Dan) Draine, Katie (Dusty) Olynyk, Tamara (Shannon) Morsching, Candice (James) Penfield, Matthew Ferris, MacKenzie (Kara) Ferris, MeLinda (Jose Luis) Herrera, Grace Estabrooks, Heather (Sean) Jenks, Erica Keimig; great-grandchildren, Lucia, Anne, Clare, J.P., Cameron, Rylie, Austin, Kian, Niah, Izabelle, Zachery, Tessa, Madison; siblings, Marie Simonton, Robert (Joyce) Keimig, Jerry (Karen) Keimig, Tom Keimig, Jim (Karen) Keimig, Frances Grimlie, Patty Boettcher, Sarah Wynn, Dolly (Roger) Pederson, Marvin (Karen) Keimig; sister-in-laws, Cathy Keimig; other relatives and friends.
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Dave Siehndel
Johnny was a great fishing buddy always a smile and kind words. I enjoyed being with Johnny as a good friend and even enjoyed the visits we had with him and Clary at their home. RIP Johnny the pain is over. Dave and Cheryl
Kathy Keimig
Uncle John was always smiling and teasing us kids. I used to love going to visit them with my brothers and sisters. I haven’t seen him in a while but I will always remember him. He joins my Dad in heaven where they are probably playing cards!
Julie Keimig
Clary, and all of the family, we are sending our deepest sympathies. Praying for peace and comfort for you during this very sad time. Pat and Julie Keimig
Brad and Connie Brandt
So sorry to hear about this. God Bless your Family
herbert schmitz
Worked on some of the jobs with John. One of the best guys around. My sympathy to the whole family. RIP JOHN
Jan hertaus
So sorry for your loss. Our Prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time. May God give you needed strength in the days ahead.
Roman and Jan Hertaus
Jennifer Sibert
My deepest sympathies are with you all. You all are in my thoughts and prayers
Ann Schwartzwald
Aunt Clary and family,
I am grieving with you. I have many wonderful memories of Uncle John. I can still hear his laughter. I always felt like one of your kids when visiting you. Wether I was harassing one of the boys to play pool, going down to the lake to swim or drawing on the bedroom walls. My dad will be welcoming Uncle John with beer in hand and a deck of cards ready.
“That Girl”
Deb Sagisser
So sorry for your loss.
Deb (Hafermann) Sagisser
John and Ruth Kontz
So sorry to hear about Uncle John’s passing. We always looked forward to spending time with your wonderful family on our trips to Minnesota. Will never forget John’s mischievous grin and joyful laugh. He showed everyone how to get the most from life.
Conni Fearing
My deepest sympathies for your entire family. I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.
Conni Fearing
Deb Behlings
Clary, so sorry to hear about John’s passing. I will always remember John fondly and his smile. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Louie and Babe’s Daughter
Deb
Greg Kontz
When I was a little kid, there was a Kontz family reunion somewhere. I remember Uncle John coming in, getting down on all fours, and letting a bunch of us kids jump on him while he crawled on the floor. I remember being very impressed that he could have that many kids on him and still move. There was a lot of noise and happy kids. It was a long time ago, but he sure seemed like a great guy.
Don and Nona Verschelde
So sorry for your loss John was a great guy. I will miss that special laugh he had, one of a kind. He liked have fun and loved his family. I will really miss the five hundred card games we had at the table, sorry Clary we usually won. Prayers to all of you he will be missed.
Sharon and Steve Geiselbrecht
We are so sorry for your loss. Heather is such a blessing to this family. She loved her grandfather so very much. We are so glad that Mr. Keimig was able to meet his great granddaughter Maddie before his passing. We pray he has found peace.
Ringold’s
Our deepest condolences.
Sympathy and prayers!
Noel, Tracey and Andrew