Arthur C. Keeler, 88, of Helena passed away from congestive heart failure on June 5, 2013 at Aspen Gardens in Helena.
Art was born on March 26, 1925 in Miles City and grew up in Lewistown. He was the son of Arthur and Minnie (Harrison) Keeler. After Minnie’s death when Art was 14, Arthur Sr. married Ann Treadway. Although Art’s relationship with his stepmother, Ann was rocky at first, they became very close later in life. After attending Fergus County High School, Art enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He wanted to be a pilot, but because of the need for medical personnel, he became a First Class Pharmacy Mate during World War II. After serving in the Navy from 1942-1946, he hand-fired steam locomotives on the Milwaukee Railroad as a fireman and was later promoted to engineer. He then went to work at Don’s Store in Lewistown where he learned the skills of retail. Following his dream, he moved to Helena in 1970 and opened Capital Sports and Western. He believed in hard work, follow through and owning one’s mistakes. These principles led to his success as a retailer.
It was in the backseat of a ’41 Chevy where Art proposed to Josephine Jensen. Six months later, they were married. They stayed in love and enjoyed each other’s company for 57 years. Art and Jo had 4 children and 6 grand children. It was no secret that family mattered most.
Dad had a youthful spirit, an incredible work ethic and loved life. It wasn’t unusual for him to spontaneously break out in song at the sheer joy of life. He had a clever flare for nicknames and an intuitive intelligence with animals. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer and traveled all over the world.
Art was preceded in death by the love of his life, Josephine.
He is survived by his daughter, Laurie (Rick) Tryan of Helena; daughter, Kim Garrison (Ray Domer) of Helena; son , Art Keeler (Betsy Burns) of Helena; daughter, Kristi Keeler (Jonathan Flynn) of Helena; grand children, Cee Cee (Jim), Chase, Carly, Katie, Noah and Ryan, and special friend, Dorothy Buchanan.
Family and friends are invited to attend a breakfast gathering from 9:00-10:30 A.M. Tuesday, June 11 at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral service will take place at 10:30 and burial with military honors will follow immediately at Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Hospice of St. Peter’s at 201 California, Helena, Mt. 59601 or Helena Food Share at 1616 Lewis Street, Helena, Mt. 59601.
Special thanks to Aspen Gardens: Aimee Shein and Sherri Maharg, and all the staff for their outstanding compassionate care of our Dad.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday June 11, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday June 11, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Tuesday June 11, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd
Helena, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday June 11, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday June 11, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Tuesday June 11, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd
Helena, Montana 59636
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Shelley Stewart says
Art and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad was a wonderful person and a good neighbor to my family. I had a very nice visit with him when he was in the Cooney Home at the same time as my dad. He was worried about my dad. He was such a caring man and so easy to talk to. He will be missed by all of us. Thinking of you.
Shelley
John Karst says
Artie, Kim, Kristi, and Laurie,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I considered him to be a very good friend, and I have such fond memories of the time that I spent with him. I will always remember the many great conversations we had during our trips to Bozeman for football games. He was a great man who accomplished much in his life and, along with your mom of course, raised a wonderful family. I know how much his family and friends meant to him, and he will be greatly missed by so very many people. Please accept my most heartfelt and sincere condolences, and know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
John Karst
Laurel Andrew says
Art had an infectuous laugh and enjoyed a good story. Andy and I met Art through our friend Dorothy and were happy to see them dancing and enjoying their time together since they had both lost their loving spouses. I don’t think that they missed a televised rodeo showing the “boys” competing in the “heading/heeling” events. Art was so very proud of his family and said so many times. We’ll miss him here in Arizona. He was a good friend and good man.
Laurel Andrew
John and Muriel Wild says
Dear Keeler Family,
The last time we saw Art was at Cooney rehab when he and John were both there. We enjoyed visiting with him. Our sincere sympathy.
John and Muriel Wild
Dorothy Buchanan says
Dear Keeler Family,
In the few short years I knew Art we became close friends and were happy doing things together. We took a few trips, played golf and went dancing every Saturday night in Arizona. I met Art’s family and he met mine. I met his friends and he met mine and I learned that a friend of Art’s is a friend for life. I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a good friend and a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dorothy Buchanan
Chelsea Lefler says
Dear Keeler Family,
I saw Art Keeler from time to time in Arizona and he was the easiest person to get along with. I had forgotten about his spontaneous cheerful singing and I am going to miss hearing his laughter and jokes. I am glad I got to meet most of you last summer and was able to create more memories with Art and your family. I will always be thinking of him and all of you and will be sending prayers.
Chelsea (Grandaughter of Dorothy)
Christian Grover says
I had two “mentors” when I opened my business, Comprehensive Hearing Services, in 1979. One was Bob Chamberlain who owned the hardware store at the Hustad Center and the other was Art. Over a lot of coffee I listened to retail war stories and as a side was given practical advice on do’s & don’ts for staying afloat in the first few years and succeeding in the long run. Looking back I think they both enjoyed and looked forward to the time. I ran into Art about 8 years ago & he complimented me that all that advice I was given didn’t fall on “deaf ears.” A good pun but it meant a lot. I owe him & Bob for taking the time. Thanks Art.
Christian Grover
David McKeever says
To my friend Artie ‘Tisimo’ Keeler and the Keeler family,
I learned of your father’s passing while in Helena attending my father’s funeral. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your father. I will keep the Keeler family in my thoughts and prayers. Artie, thanks for giving Filcher the okay to attend my dad’s funeral. Very generous of you.
Sincerely,
David McKeever
Jay Ramlo says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Keeler Family. I will always remember Art as the person who welcomed me in his newly opened store when I was new to Helena in Nov. 1970. Art was always welcoming and gave me a place to hang out and get to meet other kindred souls in Helena. I am honored to own a fine rifle that was made for Art.
Bette Krueger says
It was a privilege to meet Art through Dorothy. What a great man. He loved life and I don’t think he ever “met a stranger”. He was someone you liked instantly. The great picture of him expresses the person he was. My deepest sympathy to Arts family and to Dorothy. Bette
Käthe and Milton Crum says
We will miss Art in Aspen Gardens, especially at our table.
Joan Barry says
I met Art through Dorothy in Arizona. He was her dear friend and companion for the last few years and they enjoyed so many of the same things. They always had fun weither they were traveling, dancing, or entertaining. He was such a friendly person to be around. Art will be truly missed by all. My deepest sympathy to Dorothy and to Art’s family.
Julie and Mike DalSoglio says
Dear Keeler Family,
We were so pleased to get to know Art through Artie and Betsy. You are a great family, a clear testament to Art and Jo. Our sympathies are with you and may warm memories abide.
Darcy McGuire Groves says
Art and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My dad list his battle with cancer two short months ago. I wish you prayers and peace in the coming days and months.
And to say, your father was a wonderful man. My dad enjoyed going into the store and chatting with your father.
Gail Hatch says
Keeler Family, So sorry to hear of your loss, your dad was a wonderful man, and so full of vital spirit!!! My memories of him are great ones! Take care of yourselves and know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Steven Keeler says
I love you uncle Art. I am grateful that your Dads taking in my grandpa and his brother, are the reason I am called by the name Keeler. My life is a lot better for having known you. I WILL see you when I get home…
Steven
Dan Milosevich says
I work for Acme boot company and always had a great time with Art at the Denver show he and his family were the greatest people around the love life and love people are very honest and straight up people we lost a great person. Dan
RD and Carol L. Smith says
With deepest sympathy, our condolences to the Keeler family. We knew Art from being around Laurie, Rick, CeeCee, and Chase. When we came back to Montana in 1990’s we remember the grandparents watching the adults and kids at the Roundup Ropings.
Mary Roberts says
I am Dorothy Buchanan’s sister and, while I never met Art in person, I know that Dorothy cared for him a lot and will miss him terribly. From what I’ve heard, Art was a great guy. I send my sincere condolences to her and to his family.
Carolyn Pratt Rauch says
It is a sad day in the Pratt family to hear of your incredible loss! How far back does our family’s history go back with your family? Near 80 years I suppose. Art was one of my dad’s best friends throughout his life, and with that we have generations of memories. All of you have been so good to us over the years. I was thinking about the fabulous get-aways at your “cabin” on Canyon Ferry. Artie and Laurie with your amazing water skiing skills and your dad laughingly navigating the boat seeing what obstacle he could steer your way to see how you could handle it. I couldn’t even stay up when I tried, and then Kristi you were only like 4 years-old or something and you got up and stayed up. Wow! I also remember all of the nicknames he had. He was really rolling with all of them when you were all there together. One of my best 4th of July memories was watching fireworks from your dad’s boat there on Canyon Ferry. And then the trip to Yellowstone Lake to try out some new fly rods your dad was putting in his store. We even got to stay at one of the hotels in Yellowstone instead of the camper that time. What fun! I remember on the way there your dad driving down the middle of the road towing the boat behind the suburban singing away and laughing about past times and memories to be made. Laurie, how about the time you and your mom came to see us at Newland Lake and Cee Cee was trying her trick roping skills on Chase. We had a lot of fun camping there with your folks and you too Kristi along with the big gang from Lewistown. We were asked by some other campers if we were part of the Good Sam Club because there were so many of us. Losing your dad is like losing mine all over again. No one can ever take away all the good memories we carry in our hearts. We love each and every one of you. You’re more than good friends – you are family!
Jerry Schlichenmayer says
Keeler Family,
I was so sad to hear about your father’s passing and had I found out about it sooner, I would have tried my best to get to Helena for services. My deepest sympzthy and condolences in your loss. You guys probably still remember the good times in Bonanza Hills like the times at Xmas when everyone in the area would go out hunting for a tree in the mountains and come back to a great chili & cinnamon roll prepared by the mothers who stayed behind. The only original ones left in this area are Trry McRae and myself. Kathy passed away on Dec. 31, 2010 from Parkinsons so I am all alone in the house now. I
will never forget the great memories of your family while you lived here.
Harvey & Leone Inouye says
Dear Family,
We met Art & Dorothy at the Saturday night dances in Arizona. He was so gracious and always a gentleman. We enjoyed his subtle humor and wit and will miss him! Our condolences to you all, and we will keep you in our prayers during this most trying time.
Blessings,
Leone & Harvey Inouye
Tina LaSalle Whitaker says
Art, Laurie, Kim, Kristi –
Your father was such a special man, as are all of you. I’m glad we were able to meet through a love of horses and a simple need for pasture. May your many loving memories warm your hearts and help with the loss of your dad. Peace and prayers – Tina