Michael Keller

Mundwiler Funeral Home announces the death of Michael Keller, age 65, of Milbank, SD, who died February 19, 2018, at Milbank Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank.  Rev. Tim Rynearson will officiate.  Burial will be in the St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at Mundwiler Funeral Home and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Kristy Tostenson will be the organist.  Casket bearers will be: Ryan Keller, Philip Keller, Adam Keller, Matt Schell, Caroline Priebe and Brett Seehafer.  Honorary bearers will be: Mike’s granddaughters, Mike Smithwick, and Joe Peterson.

Michael Edward Keller was born on September 29, 1952, to Michael J. and Iva (Schmidt) Keller in Milbank, SD.  Mike was raised in the Milbank area and obtained his GED.  Mike married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Schwandt, on June 9, 1973.  From this union they had four children: Ryan, Caroline, Philip, and Adam.

They moved to Watertown, SD, where Mike attended two years at Lake Area VoTech for auto mechanics.  Mike had a diverse employment history.  He worked as a prison guard, janitor, carpenter, and mechanic.  He also worked in construction.  He was able to work on about anything or would at least try.

Mike was drafted into the Army and served four years.  He was stationed in Colorado Springs, CO, for two years and was with the Guard for an additional two years.  Eventually, Mike and his family moved back to the Milbank area.  He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. He loved to be outdoors and spent his free time hunting, fishing, trapping and landscaping.  His best times were spent with his children following their sports and spending time with his granddaughters.

Memories are cherished by his children: Ryan (Liza) Keller of Spearfish, SD; Caroline Priebe of Milbank, SD; Philip (Erin) Keller of Brookings, SD; and Adam (Elly) Keller of Sioux Falls, SD; siblings: Joan Schell, Susan (Butch) Jackson, and Tim Keller,  all of Milbank, SD; Phyllis Hegge of Ortonville, MN; Jeanne Keller of Sioux Falls, SD; Colleen (Dave) Johnson of Rapid City, SD; Collette (Bob) Hill of Lyons, SD; and Mary (Jim) Nelson of Madera, CA; six granddaughters: Maci, Chloe, Alivia, Ashlyn, Madison, and Claire; friend, Rhonda; as well as, many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Mike in death are his parents; Michael and Iva; brother, James Keller; and sister, Patricia Seehafer.