The horses are trained, the raccoons have been tracked, the boys are all raised and the grandchildren have been met. With business taken care of, Richard “Rick” Eugene Keil joined his heavenly father on July 12th, 2017, after a 5 year battle with Multiple Myeloma.
Rick was born on May 15th, 1947 in Scottsbluff, NE to Leland and Shirley (Hill) Keil.
On December 23rd, 1972 he was married to Shirley Lock of Wheatland, Wy. Together they accomplished his dream of becoming a lifelong cowboy and moving to Wyoming to ranch. Their union brought into this world four sons; Matthew, Mark, Luke and Jon.
Rick was known for his love of animals, particularly horses, and his ability to train them. He was one of the best horse trainers in the area. A favorite past time of his was chasing raccoons with his beloved coon dogs, and whoever would join in on the adventure. He was a craftsman and took great pride in his skilled carpentry work.
Rick is survived by his wife Shirley; his sons Matthew (Amber) of Wheatland, Mark (Vicki) and Luke (Tonya) of Casper, and Jon (Molly) Keil of Buffalo, his 4 daughters Traci, Jill, Bobbie and Jane, and 15 grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters Kathi (Larry) Belford and Julia (Andrew) Bucy of Nebraska and sister-n-laws Sharon (David) Oman and Jean Lock, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Clifford and brother-n-law Norman Lock.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Friday, July 21st at 10am at The Keil Ranch (1994 State Hwy 34) in Wheatland, followed by a luncheon. If you are unable to attend and would like to contribute something in memory of him, consider donating to Celebrate Recovery c/o Impact Ministries PO BOX 278, Wheatland, WY 82201 (307) 331-7544
To send condolences or to sign the guest book, visit, www.montgomerystryker.com
Shirley and Keil Family, I just recently learned of Rick going home. I am very sorry to hear of yalls loss, but am grateful that I had a chance to get to know him and have meaningful conversation with him last elk season. I remember thinking in my short time with him what a pure heart for Christ he had. As Paul tells us in Philippians 1:21 - "To live is Christ and to die is gain." I know Rick went home to be with his Savoir so I look forward to us all being able to have conversations in the eternity of heaven one day. I pray peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family at this moment.
Rick was indeed a man who was good at takin' care 'a bizness. He had horse sense, and spoke plainly. Wish I'd seen him one last time. I am thankful for how he made me welcome in Sybille Canyon by pretending to enjoy my harmonica squeals and tolerating my liberal ways. Rest in peace, friend.
Jon - I am so sorry to hear about your dad passing away, I know how hard it is to have to say goodbye to a parent. Please know you all are in my prayers. I am sure your dad is up there in heaven with my father and they probably are talking about ranching and horses. I know that the pain of losing a parent can hurt but keep holding on to your faith in the Lord. Pray a lot and he will be there for you.
Shirley and Boys, I have many, many fond memories of time spent with Rick and all of you. As you all know, he was one of a kind, and loved the life he lived and loved his family very much. Hate to see him go so soon, but am glad he is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers. Bob
So sorry Shirley for your loss. Will be praying for you and your entire family during this challenging time. Lean on the Lord and He will see you through your loss and mourning. Looks like you have a good family to surround you with love.
Had some real good laughs with Rick, did concrete work worh he in Grandburry Tx. Well Matt sure Tom will have a hand shake for Rick! Soo sad to see he's left us, God Bless your friend always DR.
Shirley and Family~ Ron and I are so very sorry for your loss of this wonderful man. We hold dear the memories of our trip out there last year and share the "cattle drive" adventure with everyone we can! We only wish we could have visited sooner than last year. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Shirley, I seen this on face book, You don't know me, I lost my husband in 2016 to Multimyloma. My heart goes out to you and your family, It is indeed a tough death. My prayers are for strength and that your faith will deepen in the trust that you already have. My Husband was Gerald Kummer, he was a horse trainer, primarily rope horses. If you wish you may view his services on livestreambarnmedia Gerald Kummer . Your unknown sister in Christ, Portia Kummer
Shirley,Matt Mark Luke &Jon and children ,we are so sorry for your loss.You re all in our thoughts and prayers.Blessings. Bernadette &a Nick Moore
God needed another great Cowboy for the round up. Rest well Cowboy.✝️
I love my Uncle Rick and I am glad he is with our Heavenly Father but I am very sad I did not get to see him one last time before he went to be with the Lord. I will always miss him and the times we spent together. I will never forget how to rope and ride because of him. He truly was a great man.
Rick you lived the life as a real cowboy that I always wanted.I'll be up there with you in a few years. Save a place for me.
Jon and Molly, I'm saddened to learn of your loss. Prayers to you and your family.