Richard "Dick" B. Keinz, age 87, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family, service, faith, and leadership that will endure for generations.

Dick was born on February 21, 1939, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Ben and Bernice Keinz. He attended Saints Peter and Paul's Catholic School, where he met Jeanette "Nettie" Ann Herz. Their friendship grew into a lifelong partnership, and on August 26, 1961, they were married at Saints Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in Mankato. Together they built a marriage that spanned nearly 65 years and became the foundation of a family that was the pride and joy of Dick's life.

Dick graduated from Iowa State University in 1961 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Following graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably from 1961 to 1964, attaining the rank of Captain. The discipline, integrity, and commitment to service that marked his military career remained hallmarks of his character throughout his life.

As a civil engineer, Dick spent his career building things meant to last. He began with the Minnesota Highway Department, contributing to interstate highway and bridge design during a transformative era for Minnesota transportation. He later joined the Minnesota Department of Aeronautics, where he served as Director of Airport Planning and ultimately Director of Aeronautics for the State of Minnesota. Through his leadership and vision, he helped shape transportation systems that connected communities across Minnesota and served generations of travelers.

The most important thing to Dick was his family and friends. He built a family grounded in love and stability. He built friendships that lasted a lifetime. He built so many wonderful traditions that brought people together year after year.

Dick and Nettie were founding members of Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville, where they volunteered faithfully for many years. Dick also served the Academy of Holy Angels as Chairman of the Annual Fund from 1982 to 1984, supporting Catholic education and the development of future generations.

One of Dick's happiest places was "Keinz Pines," the family cabin on Baby Lake in Hackensack, Minnesota. Purchased before retirement, the cabin became a gathering place for family and friends and the setting for countless celebrations, holidays, fishing trips, conversations, laughter, and memories.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Nettie; his son, Tom Keinz of Savage, Minnesota; his daughter, Laura Miler and her husband Greg of Scottsdale, Arizona; and his daughter, Amy Meckey and her husband Sam of Shakopee, Minnesota.

He was a proud grandfather to Jack Miler, Julie Miler, Katie Meckey, Megan Meckey, Jacob Meckey and Alex Chafee, each of whom brought him tremendous joy and pride.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Bernice Keinz, and by his sister, Susanne Holcomb.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, June 13th, with visitation beginning at 10:00am, at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers please send memorial gifts in Dick's name to Academy of Holy Angels: https://www.academyofholyangels.org/support-aha/give-now .

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com