Jason McKeever Obituary: Beloved Senior Sales Engineer at Friesen’s Inc. and U.S. Army Veteran Passes Away in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota – April 15, 2025
DETROIT LAKES, MN — April 16, 2025 — The community of Detroit Lakes and the broader engineering and manufacturing industry are mourning the loss of Jason McKeever, a respected and accomplished Senior Sales Engineer at Friesen’s Inc., who tragically passed away on April 15, 2025. A man of resilience, service, and intellect, Jason leaves behind a legacy of excellence in both his professional achievements and personal impact.
Jason McKeever’s career was marked by more than a decade of unwavering commitment to innovation, engineering excellence, and client-focused solutions. At the time of his passing, Jason held the title of Senior Sales Engineer at Friesen’s Inc., a position he had proudly served in since June 2023. Prior to that, he contributed nearly eight years as an Application Engineer at the same company, showcasing his adaptability, problem-solving prowess, and deep understanding of process improvement and industrial design.
A proud alumnus of North Dakota State University, Jason held a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management. He further enriched his knowledge at M State Fergus Falls, laying the academic foundation that propelled his successful career in engineering. With a Green Belt Six Sigma certification, Jason excelled in areas such as operational efficiency, lean manufacturing, systems design, and customer relationship management.
Jason’s contributions extended beyond the private sector. From 2004 to 2013, he served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer, where he demonstrated exemplary leadership and tactical ingenuity. Whether leading his squad in Iraq or training in Baumholder, Germany, Jason embodied discipline, courage, and resilience—traits that remained central to his civilian and professional life.
Prior to joining Friesen’s, he held engineering roles at Arctic Cat and the United States Postal Service, where he implemented lean principles, ergonomic innovations, and process optimization strategies that significantly reduced costs and improved operational workflows.
Jason was not only a dedicated professional but also a compassionate colleague and leader. He was known by peers for his humility, technical brilliance, and unwavering drive to deliver top-tier results. He could always be counted on to mentor junior staff, spearhead collaborative projects, and build lasting relationships with clients.
Beyond the office and the battlefield, Jason’s heart was rooted in his community. Friends and co-workers describe him as a man of integrity, strong values, and generosity. Whether volunteering his time, supporting colleagues, or simply offering a listening ear, Jason uplifted those around him. His commitment to excellence was not just about metrics or milestones—it was about people.
Friesen’s Inc. shared a statement in honor of Jason’s memory:
“Jason was a pillar of our organization. His leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction set the standard for all of us. His passing is not just a loss to Friesen’s—it’s a loss to the entire industry and every person whose life he touched.”
Details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced by the family in the coming days. The McKeever family kindly asks for privacy as they navigate this difficult time and appreciates the outpouring of support from Jason’s colleagues, friends, and professional community.
