Daniel J. Keeler

Daniel J. Keeler

Daniel J. Keeler, 58, died Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, at the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook, Mont., after suffering with multiple sclerosis for many years.

Dan has donated his brain and spinal cord to the Brain and Spinal Cord Research Resource Center in UCLA Medical Center. Cremation has taken place and his Memorial Mass will be 10 a. m. Friday at the St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church with fathers Dale Yurkovic and Nigro officiating. Burial will follow at the Calvary Section of Highland Cemetery in Havre. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the St. Jude Parish Center immediately after the services at the graveside. Memorial contributions in Daniel's honor may be made to Sweet Memorial Nursing Home or to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

Daniel was born June 12, 1953, in Havre, Mont., one of five children born to Vernon and Alice (Neill) Keeler. He was raised and educated in Havre, graduating from Havre High School in 1971. He worked for Archie Anderson at Archie's Body Shop for a few years and then went to work for Abercrombie Pipeline. He started with Abercrombie as a laborer and worked his way up to a pipeline welder. Dan attended a welding school in Tulsa, Okla., where he obtained his certification for pipeline welding. He continued to work for Abercrombie until his multiple sclerosis became so bad that it impaired his work and he had to retire at a very young age. Dan suffered with multiple sclerosis for 32 years. He was diagnosed with it when he was 26 years old.

Dan didn't have many hobbies. He enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, and taking road trips when he could. Most of his time was devoted to his work. After he became disabled, Dan would spend his time visiting with people and making his social rounds. He enjoyed riding his bike around town, driving and going to PJ's for a meal.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents.

Dan is survived by his four siblings, a sister, Marie Ann Keeler of Havre, Mont. ; and his three brothers, Bob Keeler and Jim (Paula) Keeler all of Havre, and Bill (Marlene) Keeler of Poplar, Mont. Dan is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Dan's family would like to extend a personal thank-you to the "Sweet Memorial Family," who provided all the special care for Dan. They made it like home for him and he was well taken care of.