Robert D. Keelin, 68, of Huron passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.  He spent his final days at Loma Linda University Hospital in Murrieta, California, following a stroke.

A memorial service will be held at Huron Church of the Open Bible on Saturday, September 16, at 11:00 a.m.  Family and friends are invited to a time of remembrance and to share their memories of Robert.  Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Iroquois.  Condolences can be sent to the family, in care of Lisa Johnson at 20736 Appaloosa Trail in Huron.  The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all for the outpouring of prayer, love, and support.

Robert Duaine Keelin was born on November 7, 1948, to Lloyd and Evelyn (Jones) Keelin, he was raised by his uncle George and aunt Julia.  He attended Huron Public schools and graduated from Huron High School.  He married Janelle Wipf on June 8, 1968.  He attended Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, North Dakota until they started a family and moved back to Huron.  Robert and Janelle had five children together.  Robert owned Green Acres Tree Trimming and Landscaping Service for 30 years.  He was also employed at Flanery Meat Packing Plant, Armour Meat Packing Plant, and Dressed Beef of Huron.  He was employed at Jack Links from 2004 until his passing.  Robert married Julia Rosa Contreras on May 27, 2004.

Robert was a member of the Church of the Open Bible in huron for many years. Robert was creative, energetic, and always eager to help others.  When his children were young he volunteered at the Assembly of God Church and drove the church bus to pick up children for Sunday school.  He was a leader for Royal Rangers at Assembly of God Church, he sang in the church choir, helped with the Awana program at Bethesda Church, and cut down trees at Trinity Bible College.  His many friends remember him as a loyal and trusted companion whose witty personality made one feel better by being in his company.  Above all, he was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Julia Rosa, of Huron, three daughters and two sons: Christi (David) Pascual of Murrieta, California, Lisa (Steve) Johnson of Huron, Heidi Waldner of Watertown, Jason (Dawn) of Huron, and Jeremy of Huron; one brother, Bernard (Mary) Tysdal of Tomah, Wisconsin; 13 grandchildren: Chase Tounsley of Huntington Beach, California, Madison (Zachary) Lang of Perris, California, Brayden Pascual of Murrieta, California, Cole Curtis of Murrieta, California, Erick Johnson of Brookings, Alison Johnson of Mitchell, Taner Reister of Brookings, Layne Waldner of Brookings, Noah Waldner of Watertown, Shyla of Huron, Karlie of Huron, Wyatt of Rapid City, and Braydin of Huron; and three great-grandchildren: Jonathan Reister of  Brookings, Hudson Lang of Perris, California, and Leonard Eggert of Huron.

He was preceded in death by his beloved aunt Julia, uncle George, his parents, and a grandson, Jonathan Logan Waldner.