Daniel James Kehoe, 89, passed away peacefully Feb. 16, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Dan was born April 7, 1927 to Joseph and Augusta Kehoe in Aitkin, Minn. He grew up there and shared so many happy memories of his childhood on the family’s dairy farm. He was the eighth of nine children and is preceded in death by all.
After graduating from Aitkin High in 1945 he was proud to join the U.S. Navy. Dan served two years during World War II as a Sea Bee on Guam. His story was preserved by the Heritage Foundation and stored in the Library of Congress.
When Dan returned home from Guam he worked construction on the Iron Range. He moved his family to the North Shore in the early 1950s and over the next 50 years wore many hats. Heavy equipment operator during the construction of Reserve Mining and Erie Mining. Business owner, Pure Oil and Kehoe Oil in Schroeder, heavy equipment mechanic, builder/investor, Norwood Shores and Devil’s Track Landing.
Dan found time as well for community service. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the VFW and American Legion. He made lifelong friends in all of these organizations.
The focus of his life was always his family. Dan is preceded in death by his second son John and his former wife Joyce. He is survived by his children James (Cynthia) of Phoenix, Ariz., Joanne Smith (Brian) of Grand Marais and Jeffery of Dayton, Ohio. He was so proud of all his grandchildren and took such joy in them. Todd, Lacey, Melanie, John, Alina, Jonas, Daniel and Quincy. He was blessed to know his only great-grandchild Eli. His family will always be grateful to him for the life and lessons he provided. He was a hero and will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Zoar Lutheran Church in Tofte. Reception to follow after interment at Tofte Cemetery.
Leave a Reply