Richard "Rich" Keiper

Richard "Rich" John Keiper, age 86 of Cottage Grove passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2025.

Richard was born on May 11, 1938, in Cicero, Illinois, to Delphin and Eleanor (Pakulski) Keiper. Known to most as Rich, he was a long-time employee of Northern States Power Company, where he worked in the gas dispatching division from 1967 until his retirement in 1998. Additionally, he was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 23.

Rich cherished his time outdoors, whether he was fishing, hunting, or enjoying his daily walks down Jamaica Avenue to the Holiday Station for coffee. Over the years, he developed a passion for collecting fishing tackle and was an avid Ford Mustang enthusiast.

Rich is survived by his beloved wife of over 63 years Karen; children Vicki Seltun, Jeff (Jill) Keiper and Greg (Alicia) Keiper; grandchildren Faith (Tim), Brandon (Amber), Kaylee, Layla, James, Jennifer, Josh, and Jessica; great-grandchildren Beckham, Walker, Colton, Nicholas, Alex, and Jaylyn; brother James and nieces Julie and Patti Keiper.

He is preceded in death by his father Delphin Keiper; mother Eleanor Koerzendoerfer; grandson Tyler Keiper and sister-in-law Eleanor Keiper.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Kok Funeral Home 7676 80th Street S., Cottage Grove, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church; 8100 Belden Blvd.; Cottage Grove, MN 55016.