Photo courtesy of Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg
To Mike's family, Sorry to hear about Mike. As a friend in our neighborhood he was always nice to chat with. God bless you during this tough time.
Velma Johnson
August 26, 2025 | Emmetsburg, IA | Neighbor
I rode my first RAGBRAI with Team Shamrock. I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been. Mike took me under his wing. The first day Mike said; “ just ride with me first thing in the morning for ten or so miles and you will get the feel”. I never had to look back but I always looked ahead and to my side for him. He was genuine and kind.
Jim Goodlaxson
August 21, 2025 | Emmetsburg, IA | Friend
Ann and all Mike's family,
You have my deepest sympathy in loss of Mike. He was a contributing community member n a caring person. A good life lived! May love n prayers of family n friends, n Christ's love comfort you all.
Maureen ( Reeves) Horsley
August 21, 2025 | Ruthven, IA | Friend
You have my deepest sympathy.
David Wilson
August 18, 2025 | Grand Junction, CO | Classmate
I have such found memories of uncle Mike. He kept us nieces and nephews entertained when we would come to Grandma Kehr's house. He had such a kind ❤.
Catherine Delana
August 17, 2025 | Cedar Rapids, IA | Family
Our sympathy and prayers for Mike’s family.
Jim & Jan Stillman
August 17, 2025 | Norwalk, IA
Yolanda and Kehr Family,
you are in our thoughts and prayers as we celebrate his life.
We love you,
Doug, Carolina, Matthew Green
August 17, 2025 | Vail, AZ | Friend
Yolonda, I am so sorry for your loss of Mike he was such a kind , person
Linda Guinn
August 16, 2025 | Hartley, IA | Friend
In Loving MemoryMichael R. KehrAugust 31, 1947 - August 15, 2025KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ROSARYTuesday, August 19, 20253:45 P.M.Martin-Mattice Funeral HomeEmmetsburg, IowaVISITATIONTuesday, August 19, 20254:00 - 7:00 P.M.Martin-Mattice Funeral HomeEmmetsburg, IowaMASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIALWednesday, August 20, 202510:30 A.M.Holy Family Catholic ChurchEmmetsburg, IowaCELEBRANTRev. Brian FellerINTERMENTEvergreen CemeteryEmmetsburg, IowaMichael Kehr, 77, of Emmetsburg, Iowa passed away with his family by his side on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Michael Robert Kehr was the fourth child born to John G. Kehr and Ruth M. (Joynt) Kehr on August 31st, 1947. He was welcomed home by two older brothers, Joe and Bill and a sister Louise, who was his “Irish Twin.” In time, another brother and three more sisters completed the Kehr family.
Michael was raised in Emmetsburg and attended Emmetsburg Catholic School. He went on to become a lifelong truck driver, dedicating nearly 60 years to the profession. Much of that time was spent with Kerber Milling Company, though he drove for various companies throughout the area. His career took him across the United States, including trips transporting horses-even delivering them to the Kentucky Derby.
On July 20, 2002, Michael was united in marriage to Yolanda Alvarenga at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. He enjoyed traveling and especially visiting Paraguay, Washington DC and Mexico. He spent a lot of time at his shop working on antique cars, even though he wasn’t a good mechanic!
He enjoyed his 5:00 P.M. Happy Hour beer and took great pride in smoking meats with John Bredehoeft during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. He was the founding member of the Prayer Tower. Michael was a familiar face at nearly every Emmetsburg E-Hawk football game. He once owned the Shamrock Bus, which he drove during St. Pat’s weekend and in support of RAGBRAI. Family was very important to him and he enjoyed getting together with his siblings, nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
A lifelong member of Holy Family catholic Church, Michael was actively involved with the Knights of Columbus, including the 4th Degree.
Michael is survived by his wife, Yolanda; his step-son Danny (Daisy Ribeiro) Ramirez, granddaughter, Julie Ramirez and a grandson arriving in December, of Fort Worth, TX, his nephew like a son Fabio Basualdo (Mavi Valentin), his siblings, Louise (Jack) Ryan of Woodbury, MN, Richard (Alice) Kehr of Spencer, IA, Jean Hilbert (Randy Petersen) of Wesley, IA, Jane (Gary) Hilbert of Britt, IA, Ann (Mike) Ryan of North Mankato, MN and sister-in-law Barbara Kehr; aunt Jenny Joynt, his in-laws, Maria Elena A Basualdo, Maria Jacinta A Riveros, Nidia A Rodriguez, many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Charles and Ursula Roberts.
Preceding his in death were his parents, his in-laws Desiderio and Dominga Alvarenga, brothers Bill and Joe, brother-in-law Larry Hilbert, sister-in-law Ann Kehr and nieces Katie Ryan Pomerleau and Lisa Hilbert.Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
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