Eugene "Chief" Keegel

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Eugene "Chief" Keegel, 83, passed away Sunday August 13, 2023, at the Platte Health Center in Platte, SD. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the First Reformed Church in Platte. A committal service will follow at the Platte City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2023, at Mount-Smith Funeral in Platte with a 7:00 pm prayer service.
Theodore Eugene Keegel was born on April 25, 1940, in Platte, SD, to John and Jabina (Bultsma) Keegel. Eugene attended school through the eighth grade as there was much work to be done on the farm. He taught himself how to weld and became well known around the area as a great welder that could fix or build almost anything. He served in the South Dakota National Guard for several years after turning 18.
On August 26, 1959, Eugene married the love of his life Ruth Cady. To this union three sons were born: Daryl Lynn, DeWayne Lee and Dwight Leon. He worked hard on the farm with his wife and boys, but also held other jobs in the community. Over the years he worked for Meyerink Farm Service, Wynia Implement, and VanderWerff Implement. Eugene became the owner of Chief's Radiator and Repair in 1991 which he continued to operate until health reasons in 2017 forced him to step away and move to Twilight Vista Assisted Living. In May of 2022 Eugene move to the Platte Care Center.
Many summers were spent on the area racetracks in the late 60's through the mid 90's. Chief loved to go fast and loved the friendships made in the pits. In the 1970's, he found he had a passion for flying and aircraft. He obtained his pilot's license along with his two older boys. Eugene owned different planes, but his 1943 Piper J3 Cub was by far his favorite. He could be seen flying his little yellow plane most days in the warmer months and even some cold ones. He also thoroughly enjoyed playing blackjack. He and Ruth loved to travel and took many personal trips together. Eugene loved His Lord with a quiet faith and was prepared to be called home.
Eugene is survived by his two sons, DeWayne Keegel and his wife Teresa of Litchfield Park, AZ, and Dwight Keegel and his wife Shelly of Platte, SD; daughter-in-law Lisa Keegel of Apple Creek, OH; seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Eugene was preceded in death by his wife Ruth in 2012, son Daryl, grandson Jonathon in 2000, parents John and Jabina, sister Jalene Nydam, and an infant brother Milo Dean.