Ed Keil

1931 - 2020

Ed Keil

Ed Keil, 89, passed away of natural causes in Billings on May 31, 2020. Edgar Reinhardt Keil was born in Conrad on February 25, 1931, the oldest son of John and Norma (Elliot) Keil.

Edgar grew up on his family's farm east of Ledger and rode his horse to attend a one-room country school. He graduated from Conrad High School in 1949 where he played football and basketball.

Ed attended Montana State University playing football and wrestling as well as becoming a lifelong member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1953, Ed left college in order to run the family farm. Throughout his life, Ed remained a dedicated Conrad Cowboy and MSU Bobcat.

Ed married Barbara Jenkins in 1953 and together they raised their three children on the family farm where he instilled a good work ethic and love of sports and animals. Many wonderful family memories were made on the farm, at Lake Blaine in the summer, and various ski hills at Christmas.

Edgar was a member and Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Conrad and was a 50-year Mason. He was President of the Young Democrats of Montana and remained active in politics for many years. Ed was a 40-year member of Montana Farmers Union, Director of the Ledger Farmers Union Elevator, a charter member and Director of the Montana Grain Growers Association and served on the Montana Wheat Commission. He played a leadership role in numerous producer and agriculture related organizations over the course of his life. Ed was proud of the part that he played in promoting Montana agriculture throughout US and the world.

Later Ed married Karen Fisher. They spent many blissful years together on the farm and enjoying the winters in Indio. In 2016, they retired to the Kalispell area.

Ed is survived by his wife, Karen of Kalispell, his three children, Gail Keil Carter, Nancy (Walt) Backer and Jeff (Kim) Keil; grandchildren, Kellan, Quincy, and Colton Carter, Keil (Katie), Kason, and Konnor Backer, Rachel (Ian) Letsinger and Robert Keil; great-grandchild, Jarica. Also survived by brother Steve (Linda) Keil; nieces Stephanie and Katrina Keil, nephews John and David Keil, and step-children Kim (Ray) Bouma, Jim (Johan) Fisher and Jed Fisher and Nate and Kristen Messer from a previous marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dan Keil.

Ed loved people and was known for his kindness and respect to all who crossed his path.

Condolences can be made online at cfgbillings.com. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a memorial service is pending.

In lieu of flowers, send donations in memory of Ed Keil to: Montana State University Alumni Foundation's Dan Keil Innovation and Crop Science Scholarship or College of Agriculture Dean's Excellence Fund, PO Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59715