We lost Kelly on a dreary April day. Kelly Thomas Keeler passed from a pulmonary embolism at his home in Helena on April 3rd, 2019.
Kelly was born on September 13th, 1963 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Havre, Montana. He was the second son of Graham and Jeannie Keeler. In 1965, the family moved to Helena. Kelly’s early years were spent in the 6th Ward area on Walnut Street. In 1967, the family moved into their Ewing Street home. He grew up on Ewing Street. Several families created life-long friendships and the neighborhood was teeming with kids. Kelly always felt fortunate to have a great childhood and never forgot his friends.
Kelly married Nona (Edwards) Keeler in 1992. They had a daughter, Kaylee. They later divorced.
Kelly was a natural at sports. He excelled at baseball and football. His early coaches: Jens Jenson and Bill Rook instilled in him a fierce competitive spirit that would later inspire his ability to coach some great girls’ softball teams.
Kelly, early on was industrious. In the early 1970’s high school students did something they called, “cruising the drag”. Basically, students spent Friday and Saturday nights driving up and down Helena Avenue, some drinking beer. Kelly had the idea that there were enough empty beer cans to cash in on. He was right.
His first real job was janitorial work at the Ice Cream Parlor. Ed McHugh hired Kelly to clean the restaurant. He would continue to work there and do every duty possible. He enjoyed cooking the most.
That love of cooking led him to pursue a quest to learn the finer skills of being a chef. He was a head cook at the Black Angus restaurant for several years. He would later load up his La Mans Pontiac, head out to Seattle and land a sous chef position at a restaurant in Green Lake. After the restaurant closed, Kelly found another profession- plumbing.
The art of plumbing is something Kelly knew very well. He could take blue prints and create a plan that made sure plumbing did what it’s supposed to do. He also had, in his head, a rolodex of the right parts and techniques that avoided costly errors.
He worked for many years at MDM Plumbing Supply, and most recently at Power Townsend.
Kelly loved dogs and had a best friend most of his life. The family dog, Charlie. Bandit, definitely an original. Then there was Misty, a gift to Kaylee. Misty’s puppy, Tucker. Kelly was dog happy.
One day Kelly was invited to go sailing. OMG! Sailing became a weekend ritual. Sailboat races, overnighters, BBQ’s, the Canyon Ferry Yacht Club, he loved being called a river rat! One of his sailing buddies, Chris Pazder (1952-2009), and Kelly could be seen sailing the C-scow on the weekend races. Chances are they’re sailing right now.
If he wasn’t sailing, he was acting. Kaylee introduced the theatre bug to Kelly. Kaylee attended Grandstreet Theatre School, taking advantage of the scholarships. Grandstreet Theater and Kelly were inseparable. Whether it was play practice or stage building, he could be found hanging out backstage encouraging the actors to shine on stage. One of Kelly’s proudest moments was acting alongside his daughter in Fiddler on the Roof. Many actors remember his enthusiasm and versatility on stage. He loved theatre.
These are a few examples of how Kelly touched those who were lucky enough to spend time with him. Please attend the Memorial to share your story.
Kelly is preceded in death by his father, Graham (1933-2010). He is survived by his daughter, Kaylee; step-son Levi; Mother, Jeannie; Sisters, Colleen Peterson (Helena) and Cathy Pugh (Spotsylvania County, Virginia), and brothers, Kevin and Greg (Helena); Nieces, Tiffany, Lonnie, and Jackie; and nephews, R.J., Cody and Kenny; in addition 15 Great nieces and nephews. Kelly also leaves behind, 3 uncles, 4 aunts, and 11 cousins. And finally, scores of loving, supportive relatives. He will be missed at our family reunions.
The family would like to recognize Kelly’s adopted family; the crew and friends at the Loose Caboose. It was very clear they loved him like a brother. A special thanks to Darrell Pressentin, a true friend when you need one.
A sense of gratitude goes out to the Lewis & Clark Deputies and the assistant coroner, Tim Wong. Their professionalism calmed a grieving family.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. The family asks in lieu flowers, donations may be sent to the Grandstreet Theatre School, 325 Park Avenue, Helena, MT. 59601, or The Angel Fund, P.O. Box 7463, Helena MT. 59604. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Kelly.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 26, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Friday April 26, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 26, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Friday April 26, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Connie Wheeler says
You will be missed. Rest In Peace
Dudley Williams says
Sorry to read about Kelly. Condolences to all the Keeler family..
Don Bartsch says
We don’t get to choose, nor do we have very many Life Long Friends. Kelly was my life long friend from the days on Warren and Ewing Streets. From Cub Scouts through high school and beyond if a ran into him a couple days in a row or not for a couple months, it was the same smiling Kelly. My prayers are with the Keeler family during this time of lose.
Linda Netschert says
Oh, the memories of graduation morning riding in that old impala with the broken front seat. RIP Kelly.
Mike Morawski says
Kelly was always helping anyone who needed it. He helped me many times, and was one of the first older Boy Scouts who actually took the time to teach me and other younger Scouts. I will always remember him pulling up to Central School basketball courts to play hoops with a big dip in-Ha. I will also think back to the times we floated the Smith River, and truly believe that those times spent with his brother Greg were some of the best in his much too short life. You will be missed my friend. Much respect, and thoughts are with the entire Keeler family-
Larry Murphy says
Kelly was an Attaboy and we hate to lose them. RIP Kelly
Bill Bentley says
So sorry to see Kelly passed. I knew him for many years. He was a great guy. RIP.
Pat Cirillo says
Sory to hear that Kelly passed . A long time sailing buddy and all around good person. He was always willing to help others with enthusiasm. I will miss not running into him now and again.
Donna And Alan Hulse says
Kelly always had a smile on his face. Sorry for your loss and many prayers to the Keeler family.
KEVIN BARTSCH says
Sorry to hear of Kelly’s passing. A lot of good memories as kids in the neighborhood and later in life running into Kelly for a quick chat. Always a happy go lucky guy with a smile on his face. Sympathies to the entire Keeler family.
Tracy Hawthorne says
Our hearts are heavy, you will be missed Kelly
Jeanne Naegele Kohal says
So saddened by the news of Kelly’s passing. I have fond memories from ” The Neighborhood” of Kelly’s huge grin and red hair, riding bikes and loved his sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Keeler family.
Bonnie Losett says
So sorry to hear about Kelly, rest in peace my friend.
Bob Dannic says
I wish I had gone golfing with Kelly when he was planning an outing. It is evident that he had a wealth of friends here in Helena and he will be missed. RIP.
Gary andridge says
Kelley we had fun in boy scouts. Went to grade school together. Your family, was very close to me. We had fun when we were young. I will miss you, my love and sadness, to the family. Very glad I saw you again at Pt working with you. Your thoughts and friend ship will always be there. Sail on my friend.
Vienna Horne says
Kelly sure will be missed by many! Such a sweet man taken from us too soon. Happy sailing my friend! May god hold the family close and comfort them.
Mayme Folio says
RIP my fellow Chicago Bears fan! You sure will be missed at the Caboose. Say hi to Payton for me.
Kathy Janus says
I haven’t seen Kelly in nearly 7 years, and yet when I heard the news tonight a rush of memories flooded over me. I will never forget his smiling face, warm heart and magical laughter. RIP my friend, you will be missed! Much love and hugs sent to his family. GO BEARS!
Jason Lay says
Sorry to hear this. It’s always a shock to hear about a good friend passing away too soon. Kelly was such a good guy, I have nothing but good memories of him since 7th grade. I will miss his company, last time I saw him not long ago we played pool (with brother Greg) at the Gold Bar where his awesome daughter works. I’m gonna miss him. God bless Kelly and his loved ones.
Marianne Adams says
I was so lucky to get to work along side Kelly at Grandstreet Theatre. His infectious laugh and smile could brighten any day. He was always so proud, and rightfully so, of his daughter Kaylee and he encouraged her to be her best and to never give up her dreams. I am so lucky to have known him and we must laugh and enjoy life the way Kelly did.
Elva Anderson says
My heart hurts with this sad news of Kelly’s passing. I was his neighbor for the last 7 years and had just moved. Kelly was always there waving and telling the kids to come throw the baseball with him anytime. I can’t even say how I try I am for the keller family. Know he is not hurting anymore and one day you will all be together again. In our prayers family and friends. Kelly you will be missed by so many. Fly high my friend until wr meet again. Elva, Radley, Kyle and Peytan
Ron weber says
Rest in peace my friend, you were always good to me and I will miss you.
flossie shaw says
Thoughts and prayers to the Keeler Family. Good man gone too soon.
Kimberly J Graff says
Kelly was great. I always remember him having a smile and involved in our crazy family reunions. He will be missed. Peace to him and the family.
Emma’s granddaughter, Margie’s daughter
Kim Graff(Hillyard) xxxxxxx
Melissa (Vicker) Loy says
I’m so sorry for the Keeler family’s loss. Kelly was a gem, a true and genuine person who shared smiles and laughter with everyone he met. I’m so sorry I’ll be out of town for the memorial, but know that Kelly touched many lives and I’ll miss the crazy red head!!
Sherry Hall says
I am so sorry for your loss. I got to know Kelly when we both worked for a plumbing contractor, he definitely kept the crew laughing. I don’t think he ever forgot a face as he instantly remember you years lately. Your smile & laughter will be missed my friend!
Sherry Hall
Jackie Higgins says
Kevin and Keeler family, I am so sorry to hear about the lose of Kelly. I spent many a day at my Uncle Ed and Aunt Jackie McHuges house and playing with the Keeler kids. Also working with both Kevin and Kelly at the Ice Cream Parlor. So very sorry for your lose.
John Cassidy says
Kelly was truly a stand up guy. He’d do anything for you without question. I loved having him on some of the wildest rides on our sail boats! I’ll never forget the time He, Rusty Johnson and I raced the Deneke Endurance race in a howling wind, defying the odds of survival. I’d dyed my hair red that day so I could be like Kelly and Rusty! You will be missed my friend. I’ll sail with you, my father, and Chris Pazder on Fiddler’s Green.
Laura Tiddy Hill says
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Kelly was always kind with a generous heart and a big smile. To the Keeler family, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sandy (Lieberg) Hash says
I just visited with Kelly recently after not seeing him for many years. He spoke so fondly of his daughter.. Difficult to lose another Central school classmate! My prayers are with the Keeler family.
LeeAnne Hollow-Bennett says
I think of Kelly as always having a smile, a wicked wit and always a laugh. He will be missed. Prayers to the family who are left behind, he was a treasure!
Julia Harris says
My first shows at Grandstreet we’re with Kelly. We all had so much fun in Urinetown—I think it was Kelly that found us all the toilet seats!! He will certainly be missed. My condolences to Kaylee and the family.
Anna Penner-Ray says
I remember working in the light booth for Fiddler on the Roof and Urinetown, and Kelly making sure that I felt I was part of the Grandstreet family as an unsure high-schooler. He always took the time to give me a hug and ask me how school was or my day was going. I remember how much love and pride he had for Kaylee. He will be missed. My condolences to Kaylee and the family.
Mark Reese says
My condolences to the Keeler family and friends.
Douglas T Dundas says
RIP Kelly. Memories of Helena are the best ones.
Barb McAlmond says
So very sorry to hear this news. My deepest condolences to Kelly’s family. From Central School through HHS and beyond, Kelly’s kindness and smile will always bring warm memories.
Orpha Montgomery says
Thinking of all the memories of Kelly from HMS and Helena High. Kelly always had a smile on his face, a funny story to tell and was always so happy to see you. I am going to miss running into you around town and catching up on what you have been up to and listening to you talk so proudly of your daughter. My heart goes out to the Keeler family for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
Lance Zanto says
Kelly is a great loss to many. Helena is not the same without him. One of the great ones gone too soon. Always a smile, always a hello and always happy to see you. Rest in peace my friend. Love and prayers to the Keeler family.
Tom Pouliot Jr. says
Kelly Keeler was a ‘All around awesome Person.”
I had the good fortune of spending part of my youth being around the Keller Family. Greg and I were great friends & did Central School through Helena High. Kelly’s nature was always helpful & kind as the way he was raised by his parents. I made friends with a beautiful young Lady who I worked with at the Staggering Ox. It turned out that Kelly & Nona had gifted this World another classic Keeler. Today Kaylee has become one of my best friends. LOVE U KK!
Kelly took caring, loving nature to a whole new level one day while ice fishing out at Confederate Bay. The ice was thin that day as Kelly saw a local old fisherman pulling his truck right out on the lake & came driving towards him.
Kelly went towards the approaching vehicle yelling & waving his arms trying to get the guy to “STOP! GO BACK! GO BACK!” But the Old timer kept coming & didnt stop til he was right at Kelly’s spot. ‘crack crack’ the ice gave as Kelly was trying to pull the door open to get the Man out of his truck. He pulled hard but the ice was already pinning the bottom of the door closed & GERBLOOSH! It broke through & went to the bottom in about 30 feet of ice cold water. He stepped back screaming,”OH NO!” & started tearing his gear all off right down to his boxers. He has Chris Bone,one of his best, stick his arm down in the huge hole so he could find it again from underneath the ice.
The Old guy got hung up on his seatbelt & kicked for his last time…then went limp. DOWN GOES KELLY! He drove down there,unhooked the guys seatbelt, swam him back up to the surface, then did CPR & BROUGHT THE MAN BACK TO LIFE!
Kelly Keeler wasnt just a AWESOME MAN, FATHER, SON, BROTHER, CUZN, UNCLE ,& FRIEND. HE WAS A HERO! GODSPEED TO HEALING AND ACCEPTANCE FOR ALL KELLYS FAMILY & FRIENDS. Keep FAITH knowing that Kelly will be waiting with love & open arms when its finally your turn to CrossOver. He is with you still in Spirit always.
One day the tears on your cheeks will be from laughter.
Beverly Gratton Nash says
Our Prayers & Sincere condolences to you Jeannie and to All my cousins. We are all sad that Kelly left us, and especially at such a young age. He did have so many talents and used so many of them so well for Good.
Kelly has lived a full life with generous Spirit , always lighting up a room when he entered,
Spreading laughter and love…Caring for others even ,at times ,at great risk to himself.
Our lives are enriched by Kelly..and by the rest of you ,Fabulous Family!
-Sending this with our Love and Prayers and Good Memories,
Bev (née Gratton, youngest daughter of Chuck&Dorothy) and Mike Nash