Jeff Keltgen

Jeff Keltgen, age 64, of Olivia, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, May 29, 2023. A memorial service will be on Thursday, June 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia with Pastor Matt Hausken officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service all at the church. Arrangements are by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia.

Jeffrey Keith Keltgen was born on July 28, 1958 to Keith and Beverly (Parker) Keltgen in Watertown, SD. The family moved to the Olivia area in 1960. Jeff graduated from Olivia High School in 1976 and continued his education at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, majoring in Agricultural Education. Following his schooling, he began working at Keltgen Seed in Olivia, working there until 1997. He then worked for various regional seed companies in the area. In October of 2019, Jeff reconnected with an old classmate and friend, Tracie, and the two became inseparable. Together they went to many concerts, including the Beach Boys, Doobie Brothers, Chicago, and the Eagles. One of their favorite channels was HGTV, which created a love of doing DIY house projects together. Jeff was able to do many of the projects due to his skills with woodworking. He had a love of Minnesota sports, supporting the Gophers, Twins, and Vikings. Jeff and Tracie attended Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church together, where he was on the church council. He liked pheasant hunting and reading, especially by authors Tom Clancy and John Grisham. He had his own sense of humor that consisted of many bad “dad jokes” that only got a few laughs from his family. Jeff was immensely proud of his soul mate, children, and grandchildren; always taking every opportunity to brag about them. Because of his friendly and kind nature, Jeff was able to make connections with everyone he met and will be missed dearly by many.

Jeff is survived by his soul mate, Tracie Palmer; his children: Jordan Keltgen, Brittany (and Alex) Gay, and Breanna (and Anthony) Brunello; his grandchildren: Sylvie and Louis Brunello, and Rome Gay; his sisters: Jaciel, Janelle, Jean, Julie, Joan, and Jeri; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Beverly; his brother, James; and his niece, Emilia.

Blessed Be His Memory

Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN