Ken Keller

Kenneth “Ken” Keller, age 91, resident of Milbank, SD, died on May 19, 2019, at St. William’s Care Center.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 5, at 2:00 p.m. at American Lutheran Church in Milbank. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank and burial will be at the Milbank City Cemetery.

Kenneth Wayne Keller was born on July 30, 1927, to James Edward and Selma Lydia (Ernst) Keller, near Kensal, ND, where he spent his early childhood. The family returned to Twin Brooks. Ken enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 with his time spent serving as a Sea Bee in the South Pacific and Saipan. He was honorably discharged in 1946, returned to Milbank, and graduated from Milbank High School in 1947. He attended college at Mankato State University for two years.

Ken began his career as a salesman and in 1954 Alcoa transferred him to New York City. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Beverly Jean Bakkelund on May 20, 1955. They were blessed with two children: Keith and Linda. They returned to Montevideo, MN in 1962 and later, along with their business partner, Earl Bohlen, acquired the 212 Motel in Olivia, MN. Ken and Marge moved to Milbank in 1968, and along with their business partner acquired the Manor Motel. He was also an original partner and manager of the Manor Restaurant, k/n/a the Millstone Restaurant. Ken obtained his real estate brokerage license in 1962, later forming Keller Realty. After he sold the business, he continued his real estate career with Farrell Realty until his retirement in 2016.

Ken was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Olivia and Milbank Kiwanis Clubs, Masonic Lodge, served as president of the Northeast Board of Realtors, and served as treasurer of the American Lutheran Church. He also assisted with Meals on Wheels and volunteered at the Milbank Thrift Store. Ken enjoyed golfing, watching sports, and following his grandchildren’s activities.

Ken is survived by his wife, Marjorie; two children: Keith (Michelle) Keller of Sioux Falls, SD; and Linda Collins of Fargo, ND; six grandchildren: Megan (Brock) Nugteren; Chris (Libby) Mouw; Steven Keller; Adam (Nicole) Collins; Sean (Katharina) Collins; and Paige Collins; seven great-grandchildren: Isaac, Elliot, Jacob, Olivia, Isabel, Kori and Kacie; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Doris Bohn, James Keller, Russell Keller, Darrell Keller, and Lloyd Keller.

Memorials preferred to Milbank Hospital Foundation, Milbank Community Foundation, or the American Lutheran Church in Milbank.