Eugene Henry Keil
Eugene Henry Keil, a life-long farmer, passed away comfortably on his farm, the 12th of February 2023, surrounded by family.
Gene was born on February 25, 1936, to John and Elsie Keil in their home located in Worden, Montana, during a winter storm with temperatures reaching 25 degrees below zero. He graduated from Huntley Project High School in 1954 and continued to work on the family dairy farm. In his early 20’s, after growing corn for the dairy farm, his interest was sparked to grow other crops. On July 29, 1963, he married Deanna Kindsfater in Billings, Montana. Together, they purchased farmland in Worden, Montana, from Gene’s father where they raised their family.
Gene had always approached farming through a lens of innovation. He was instrumental in bringing a Coors receiving station to the Huntley Project area. He was a progressive farmer, primarily raising sugar beets for Western Sugar and Malt Barley for Coors. Over the years, he received many awards for being a top grower. In addition, he dedicated many years to both the Farmers Union Board and the Huntley Project Irrigation District.
At the age of 68, he purchased a farm in Custer, Montana, and moved from the Huntley Project area. With this farm, Gene was able to leverage new technologies that he always dreamed of using. He implemented several updates, including adding more sprinkler irrigation as opposed to the flood
irrigation he had on his previous farm. These improvements gave him a sense of accomplishment. He was able to use his cellphone to control the sprinkler irrigation system as well as utilize GPS and other advanced technology to assist with operating the tractors and equipment.
Gene was proud of his son, Mike and grandson Zach, for carrying on the legacy of Keil farms, making it a 3-generation farm. Gene was proud of his daughter Michelle, as well, who carried his ingenuity into her successful career. In addition, his granddaughters Jessica and Courtney took forward his innovation and strong work ethic into their careers, being highly accomplished.
He loved taking his grandchildren Courtney and Zach on tractor rides, especially during harvest time. Gene and his granddaughter, Courtney, (fondly nicknamed little dude), would spend beet harvest together as well as throughout the year. One year, Courtney packed her lunch and rode with
Gene for three days straight; however, she did not show up the fourth day. When Gene asked Courtney why she didn’t show up, her response was simply, “I think you have it figured out; you can do it by yourself now.”
Gene loved traveling to Illinois to visit Michelle and her family. His favorite pastime was taking his granddaughter Jessica to all the local John Deere dealers. This is a way she could experience the “Big Green Tractors” like her cousins. In later years, Gene and his wife were able to marvel in the professional firework displays that Michelle and her family composed.
“The impossible just takes a little longer,” was the centerpiece of Gene’s wisdom. Gene lived by these values and always extended a helping hand to someone in need. These are morals his wife, children and grandchildren continue to live by.
Gene is survived by his wife, Deanna Keil; his children, Mike (A’Lona) Keil and Michelle (Jim) Rozycki; his grandchildren, Courtney (Craig) Nelson, Zach (Tyla) Keil, and Jessica Rozycki; his great grandchildren,
Teagan Nelson and Wrenley Keil; his brother, Jim Keil; his sisters, Donna Nevin, and Carol (Warren) Holmes; and many nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elsie Keil; and his sister, Marlene Keil.
A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on March 5th at the Custer Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Custer Fire Department; located at 511 3rd Ave. in Custer, MT 59024.
