Ervin Ray Keil

Ervin Ray Keil, 82, of Sundance, Wyoming passed away on September 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Ervin was born on December 31, 1941 in Lemmon, South Dakota, the son of William “Bill” and Alma (Kolb) Keil. He grew up in Perkins County north of the Moreau River with his older sister, Carol and his younger brothers, Dick and Dennis.

He attended grade school at Endlee Country School, located near the family homestead. Erv graduated from Newell High School in 1959.

Following graduation, he worked a variety of jobs, which included driving truck, construction and even completing tasks on the set of “How the West Was Won” near Wall, South Dakota.

In 1964, Ervin was drafted into the Army, serving in the 1st Battalion 30th Artillery Division until honorably discharged in 1966. He is a Vietnam War veteran and a lifelong member of the Sturgis VFW.

Upon Erv’s discharge from the service, he began shearing sheep, traveling to ranches across western South Dakota; this work continued until 1989.

Ervin married Vivian Lee Jones on August 22, 1969 at the First Lutheran Church in Newell, South Dakota. Erv and Viv had 55 years of wedded bliss with little strife. They raised two daughters, Tina and Deborah.

They spent their early years together living and working on the Jones Family Ranch near Sulphur Creek. In 1978, the family moved to the Keil Ranch, where they continued to farm and ranch. Ervin valued hard work, providing for his family and the time he spent with neighboring friends.

In 1990, Erv began working as the Sand Creek Country Club caretaker, south of Beulah, Wyoming. He spent 27 years overseeing security and maintenance of the homes and grounds. He enjoyed his work on the creek and cherished many friendships.

He also looked forward to meeting friends at the local watering hole, Sand Creek Trading Post. He continued to mow and visit even after his “retirement” in 2017.

Ervin especially loved woodworking. As a master craftsman, he skillfully took on any project. Noteworthy pieces include antique desks from Endlee School, a family horse-drawn wagon, a spinning wheel, and a full bedroom set for Viv.

Over the years, he enjoyed fishing, raising and training border collies, building a model plane, playing cards, country dancing and trips to Deadwood. In recent years, he spent his free time watching the rodeo channel or FOX News and playing Dominos with Viv. He also checked in often at the local truck stop to keep up on the community’s current events.

Ervin was proud of his family and adored the company of their dog, Winnie. He got a kick out of watching his great-grandkids learn and grow, and he especially enjoyed his grandkids’ musical and impromptu personal performances.

As youngsters, his grandsons spent time “helping” Papa and fishing on Sand Creek, and he recently coached his granddaughter in shearing her FFA sheep over FaceTime. Despite this, Erv did not own a cell phone and declared he never would. 

Celebrating his life are his wife, Vivian; daughters, Tina (Travis) Inghram, Deborah (Les) Penning; honorary daughter, Jill Orwick; grandchildren, Cole (Logan) Inghram, Will Inghram, Cadence Penning, Sydney Penning; great-grandchildren, Rhett, Ada and Isla Inghram; brothers; Richard and Dennis; uncle, Walt Kolb; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and beloved friends.

Preceding Ervin in death are his parents, Bill and Alma; sister, Carol Olson; sister-in-law, Virginia Keil; brothers-in-law, Jim Clark and John Speed; and niece, Nikki (Keil) Kay.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 2 at Black Hills Cowboy Church, Beulah, WY, with Harold Delbridge officiating. Inurnment was at Black Hills National Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Army and Spearfish Honor Guard.

Memorial donations in Erv’s memory may be directed to the Beulah Volunteer Fire Department, c/o David Ayer, PO Box 181, Beulah, WY 82712.

Online condolences may be written at http://www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com