John "Joe" Joseph Kehr

John “Joe” Kehr, age 76 of Blue Earth passed away Saturday October 12, 2019 at the United Hospital District. A memorial service will be held Friday October 18 at 10am at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Mulligan officiating. Visitation will be Thursday October 17 from 5-7pm at Patton Funeral Home and again one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Joe was born On April 24, 1943 in Emmetsburg, IA to John and Ruth (Joynt) Kehr.  He graduated from Emmetsburg Catholic High school in 1961; attended Iowa Lakes Community College; Toledo School of Meat and he served in the Minnesota Army Reserve.  On July 31, 1965 he was united in marriage to Ann Brennan. Together they raised three children, John, JoAnn and Julie. 

Joe first worked at Elmer’s Super Value in Blue Earth as a meat cutter and meat manager for several years.  He then worked for Juba’s Super Value as meat manager and store manager until 1989.  He later worked in food sales with other companies.  He retired in 2014.  Although retired, he was never one to sit still, he enjoyed working part time with Bruce Gudahl “Hoot” doing construction side jobs. He also enjoyed golfing, doing yard work for himself and others, watching sports, including cheering, ‘coaching’ and ‘reffing’ our Blue Earth Area Bucs from the sidelines, and attending his grandchildren’s events.  He could be seen several times a day going for rides with his best buddy, Betsy (the beagle).

He was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, American Legion and Knights of Columbus.

Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann; his children, John (Kelly) Kehr of Mora, MN, JoAnn Hannaman (fiancé Marc Darrington) of Blue Earth, MN and Julie (Matt) Origer of  Spencer, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Meghan, Madeline, Colin, Nicholas and Brennan Elsbecker; Tyler and Erin Hannaman and Leah and Anna Kehr along with his precious great-grandson, Liam; his siblings, Louise (Jack) Ryan, Woodbury, MN, Richard (Alice) Kehr, Spencer IA, Michael (Yolanda) Kehr, Emmetsburg, IA, Jean (special friend Randy Peterson) Hilbert, Wesley, IA, Jane (Gary) Hilbert, Britt, IA, Ann (Mike) Ryan, North Mankato, MN and sister-in-law-Barbara Kehr; two aunts, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents and brother Bill, brother-in-law Larry Hilbert and infant niece Lisa Hilbert.