Joanne "Josie" C. Keichler

Joanne (Josie) C. Keichler, age 86, of Hastings, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Josie was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2024 and faced her illness with incredible strength, grace, and a fierce determination to live life fully.

Josie was born on May 29, 1938, in Hastings to Anthony and Gladys (Madison) Holman and spent her entire life in the town she adored. She grew up in a house full of warmth, love, and laughter and built childhood friendships that lasted a lifetime.

During her teenage years, she embraced all that the 50s had to offer, including roller skating and poodle skirts, Elvis’s music, Twin Kiss ice cream parlor trips, and visits to Oliver's Drug Store for chocolate sodas. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1956 and a few years later met the love of her life, a Prescott boy named Ronald Keichler. The two married on June 18, 1960, and their love story continued for nearly 40 years until Ron's passing in 2000.

Together, Josie and Ron raised two children, Scott and Carrie. She poured her heart into raising her children in a house full of love, and family traditions were central to her life. Whether it was long fall drives, Holiday celebrations, or weekly family get-togethers, Josie found joy in life's simple pleasures and made the most of every moment. She celebrated with her family during the high points and supported them through the low points.

Everyone who knew Josie described her as having a smile that lit up a room and a quick wit to lighten the mood. She had a remarkable ability to make deep, lasting friendships that she cherished for many decades. Her caring nature and genuine interest in others made her someone everyone wanted to be around.

Josie will be remembered for her relentless optimism and fighting spirit during life’s challenges. She had open heart surgery at 36, lost her parents and brother in her late 40s/early 50s, and the love of her life at 61. At 74, she would beat breast cancer, and at 85, she would take on yet another battle with cancer. Her relentless zest for life, love of her family and friends, and deep faith carried her through. Josie would never accept cancer as a death sentence but instead chose to live her life to the very fullest. She modeled how to face adversity with courage and treat each day as a gift.

Josie's strong faith in God was a cornerstone of her life and her source of strength through each bend in the road. Her faith inspired all who knew her, and she lived with a heart full of gratitude, kindness, and love.

Josie is survived by her son, Scott Keichler; daughter, Carrie (Scott) Heimer; grandchildren, Karina Glazier, Brittany (Paul Koerner) Heimer, and Alexa Heimer; two great-grandchildren, Elouise and Bernadette; many other cherished family and friends; and her beloved "grand pets."

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ron Keichler; parents, Anthony and Gladys Holman; and brother, Warren Holman.

A service to honor Josie's life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033. A visitation will occur one hour before the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery in Hastings, followed by a reception at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.

The family would like to say a special thank you to all the caregivers that supported Josie along her journey.

The family will wear pink or blue in honor of Josie's favorite colors and invites others to do the same if they choose.