Wendell L. Keeler

Wendell KeelerOur loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Wendell L. Keeler, 71 of Billings, passed away at his home on August 19, 2006 surrounded by his family.

Wendell was born on May 7, 1935 in Custer, SD to John and Marjorie Keeler. In 1954, he graduated from New Castle, WY. After graduation, he left home to go to work at Exxon Refinery in Billings. In 1952 he joined the Wyoming National Guard at New Castle and when he moved to Billings, he transferred his post with the Guard to the 163rd Armed Calvary.

In 1956, he met Rose M. Antal and they were married on May 4, 1957. They had three children, Doug, Diana, and Kent.

In 1965, the family moved to Great Falls, where Wendell and Rose owned and operated their business transporting mobile homes, which they did for 30 years. He took three years in between and worked at Motor Power Equipment. Due to failing heath, Wendell retired in 1995. He and Rose would travel to Arizona and managed an RV Park at Bouse, AZ until April 2006. Wendell was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Pryor Mountain Lodge #151.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rose Keeler of Billings; children, Doug and his wife Mary of Great Falls, Diana and her husband Dave of Roundup, and Kent of Billings; eight grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; Charity and Shane Rohrbaugh (and their 3 children, Daryl, Keoni, and Kelsin), Dustin, Danny, and Dillon Ahlgren, Amanda and Mike Keeler, and Brian and Stacy Keeler; brother, Jerry and wife Helen of New Castle, WY; and numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, August 23, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Cremation will follow the service. The casket will be open at Michelotti-Sawyers for visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 2110 Overland Ave. Suite 111, Billings, MT 59102.