Joseph Raymond Kechter

Joseph Raymond Kechter died peacefully at home on August 9, 2025. During his last days he was surrounded by many family and friends who loved him deeply.

Joe was born on January 19, 1958 to Frances (Kolb) and Raymond Kechter. He grew up in Lakewood Colorado. He had a spirted childhood and developed many deep friendships that he treasured up to the time of his death. He graduated from Alameda High School in 1977. His early years were spent waterskiing, fishing, camping and backpacking. He purchased a '75 Trans Am and spent his weekends auto crossing with his dad and stepmom. He was quite successful and brought home many trophies and ribbons. He was an active member of the Trans Am Club for several years.

Joe had a rewarding career in construction and remodeling. He and his brother Rod worked side by side for over 20 years. He took tremendous pride in his work and would often show his accomplishments to his family and friends. Joe's greatest masterpiece was completely renovating his Evergreen home's interior and exterior. He did it with love and joy and it became a family project. He was lovingly called "MacGyver" by many as he could fix anything and would often guide/help others solve their household dilemmas from a refrigerator on the fritz to catching voles. He was a great and loyal friend to many and was always willing to help out others when in need.

He met his soulmate, Ann at 17 years old and they were married in 1980 at the tender ages of 21 and 22. They raised three incredible children, Matthew, Adam and Ashley. Joe was a dedicated father and took great pride in watching his children grow and flourish. He loved to cook, grill and "smoke" for his family. Adam often commented how his dad prepared meals with so much love and care. He was an avid Bronco fan and with each passing year he was hopeful they would make it to the playoffs. The weekends were filled with sports and outdoor adventures. He was always there to lend a hand and in fact became assistant coach for soccer and baseball. Tragedy struck in 1999 when Matthew was killed at Columbine High School. He was devastated after the loss of his oldest son but he put his hurt and pain aside and continued to be a supportive and loving husband and dad. Being outdoors with his family brought him tremendous peace and solitude. The family spent many vacations exploring Colorado on their 4 wheelers. He was an incredible role model for his children.

Joe and the other parents who lost a child at Columbine, founded, H.O.P.E, (Healing of People Everywhere.) Together the families raised over 3 million dollars to build a new library for the students of Columbine High School. He had enormous pride in being a part of this endeavor and he found it quite healing.

Later in life he enjoyed playing golf with friends and traveling to Mexico. His most treasured times were when he and Ann traveled in their RV enjoying nature and taking photographs. They extensively explored Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. Taylor Park, Blue Mesa and southwestern Colorado were some of his favorites locations to explore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Francis Kechter; His grandma and grandpa Theresa & Joseph Kolb; His father and mother-in-law, Eugene and Margaret Sever; brother-in- law Keith; And his beloved son, Matthew.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ann; his children Adam and Ashley; his stepmom Toni, his brother Rod (Donna); sister Debbie; brother and sister-in-law John and Kay and his niece and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park 26624 N Turkey Creek Road Evergreen, Co, 80439 303-674-7750, at The Barn October 8th, 2025, at 1pm.

Donations in Joes's memory can be made to the Columbine Memorial Foundation.

https://www.columbinememorial.org/donate/