Ernest L. Keehn

Ernest “Ernie” Lee Keehn, 86, of Wetmore, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. He was born April 28, 1940, in Corning, Kansas, the son of Frederick L. and Mary Belle (Holt) Keehn.

Ernie graduated from Soldier High School in 1959 and later attended Highland Community College in Highland, Kansas. He owned and operated Extru-Tech in Sabetha for 13 years. A lifelong farmer and stockman, Ernie was also an oil tycoon and soil conservationist who took great pride in the land and the community he called home.

Ernie was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Netawaka and faithfully supported local organizations and causes. He enjoyed collecting agate rocks, fishing, and spending time with animals. He will be remembered for his love of the land, his generous spirit, and his deep commitment to his family and community.

On May 25, 1962, Ernie was united in marriage to Lavon Jean Schreiber at Lavon’s parents’ home in Soldier, Kansas. They shared nearly 61 years of marriage before Lavon passed away on March 24, 2023.

Ernie is survived by his sons, Michael Keehn and wife Sheila of Wetmore, Al Keehn and wife Tery of Wetmore, and Kertis Keehn of Netawaka; daughters, Kathryn Mikesell and husband Bob of Jamestown, and Jennifer McAfee and husband Caleb of Wetmore; siblings, Donna Lee Keehn-Fields of Havensville, Mary Woltje and husband Charlie of Topeka, Frederick “Fritz” Keehn and wife Rosemary of Soldier, and Richard Keehn of Oklahoma; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Mary Belle Keehn; the love of his life, Lavon; son-in-law, Jason McMahon; sisters, Sue Randal and Peggy Dodson; and brothers, Edward and Samuel Keehn.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton, Kansas, with burial to follow at Soldier Cemetery.

Ernie will lie in state from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 8, 2026, and from 9:00 a.m. until visitation from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2026 the at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.

Memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.