Obituary - Robert "Bob" William Keeler

Robert "Bob" William Keeler, 65, passed away on July 18, 2016, at Benefis Medical Center in Great Falls, Montana. He was surrounded by his loving children, family and dear friends. He succumbed to injuries he suffered from a fall off of the roof of his house on the previous Thursday, July 14, 2016.

A prayer vigil service will be held at 7 p.m., July 21, 2016, followed by his funeral Mass at 1 p.m., July 22, 2016, both at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church with Deacon Timothy Maroney officiating. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery.

Bob's family has suggested memorials in his name be made to Montana State University-Northern Lights football program, Fill The Boot for Jerry's Kids or to the donor's choice.

Please visit Bob's online memorial page to leave a message of condolence for the family at http://www.hollandbonine.com. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Bob was born to Vernon V. and Alice G. (Neill) Keeler on Dec. 24, 1950, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Havre, Montana. With the exception of his time in the U.S. Army, he was a lifelong resident of Havre, which he was extremely proud of.

Bob attended St. Jude Thaddeus grade school, Havre Central High School and graduated from Havre High School in 1969. He also received his degree in business from Northern Montana College in 1991.

He entered the U.S. Army in June 1971 and was honorably discharged in July 1974, having spent most of that time at Fort Lewis, Washington, and in Germany.

Upon discharge, he returned to Havre in 1974 and was hired as a firefighter for the city of Havre. He worked for the department for 31 years before retiring in 2005 with the title of captain. He was extremely proud to be a firefighter and would always say he was a "Paid Hero." He displayed his pride on his license plate with "CPTN BOB."

During his time at the department, Bob worked many jobs. He was a substitute bus driver for the city and county routes, along with driving bus for Havre High's extracurricular activities.

Along with driving bus, Bob has owned and operated Prairie Hydroseeding with his brother Bill since 1984. Just prior to his untimely death, Bob had announced that this was the last year of that business, and he was actually going to retire, which he'd been saying for years.

Bob had a huge heart and loved everyone. He could go to the store or run an errand and have a conversation with whomever he ran into. A short 10-minute trip could take two hours. He was also curious to know what was going on in the world and everyone's lives - hence the nickname "Governor Bob.

Even when he didn't know you, he made a point to get to know who you were. He enjoyed sitting in his front yard watching the neighborhood with his friends. They were known as the Neighborhood Watch. Bob also had a need to stay busy. He always needed something to do. He was either working on his house or helping family and friends. One of his most-loved places was 15 West, where he had numerous friends whom he considered family.

He was an avid MSU-Northern Lights football fan and a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan.

He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and would beam with pride when speaking about them. Bob left a lasting impression with everyone he met, good or bad. He made so many feel like he was their father, their grandfather, their brother and their best friend.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Alice Keeler; a baby brother who was stillborn; and his brother, Dan.

He is survived by his son, Stephen Keeler of Havre, Montana; daughter, Ericka (Nathan) Woronik, and their children, Brenna and Landis, of Missoula, Montana; and his son, Michael (Stacey) Moore of Havre, Montana, and their children, Austin of Helena, Montana, and Luke of Tucson, Arizona. He also leaves behind his ex-wife, Dona Keeler of Great Falls, Montana; his brother Jim (Paula) Keeler; niece, Trish Keeler, and nephew, Jason Keeler, of Havre, Montana; brother, Bill (Marlene) Keeler of Poplar, Montana; sister, Marie Keeler of Havre, Montana; and many close friends whom he considered family.