Don Kechely, 91 years, passed on to enter his heavenly home of our Lord on July 30, 2026.

Don was born on July 27, 1935, to LeRoyce W. Kechely and Josie May Kechely, along with a twin sister, Donna Jean Kechely. Don grew up in Cheyenne, graduating from Cheyenne High School in 1954. He attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. He graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. In 1956 Don and Marlene were married. Two daughters were born in this marriage, Kelly Jo 1959, Karol Lee 1961. Don and Marlene were high school sweethearts, married seventy years as of January 2026.

Don taught two years of Industrial Arts in Rock River, Wyoming. Don’s next teaching assignment was in Rapid City, South Dakota. He taught Industrial Arts at South Junior High, for two years. The next twenty-six years were spent teaching Auto Mechanics at Stevens and Central High school. Don enjoyed teaching and being with his students. He felt having Vocational Education available was very important. He enjoyed being in this area with the other instructors, Purpur, Andy, Bert, and Verlyn. Don retired from teaching in 1991.

Don and Marlene owned the Cherry Avenue Mobile Home Park for 37 years. Don spent a lot of time at the park, taking care of things that needed to be done.

Don loved old cars. He and his friend, Ken, drove to Denver to answer an ad and came home with a 1924 Model T. Don was a member of the Black Hills Model T Club of America and the Black Hills Model T Club in Spearfish.

We know that Don is reunited with his mom Josie, his dad Roy, his twin sister Donna Jean, his brother Robert, his daughter Kelly, and his grandson Chris.

We will celebrate Don’s life and will miss his positive attitude, his sense of humor, his laughter, and love. Those of us left behind have wonderful memories to share with each other. We are: Marlene, Don’s wife, Karol, Don’s daughter, Casey, his grandson, LeeAnn, Casey’s wife, Josie, his granddaughter, and Josie’s husband, Karl, as well as family and friends.

The Celebration of Life will be August 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at the Dahl Arts Center, Rapid City, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, please make donations to First Congregational Church of Keystone, Keystone, South Dakota, or a place of your choice.

Please join us for lunch after the service. Thank you for being here.