Our wonderful husband, father and friend, Keith David Haker, passed away peacefully on the 11th of July at his home in Miles City surrounded by his family. He was born on November 3, 1943 in Bremerton, Washington where his father served during WWII. He was the first born child of Marlen A. and Charlotte “Chick” Haker. Keith was raised in Stanford, Montana where he graduated in 1961 as the valedictorian and multi-sport star athlete of Stanford High School. He was accepted to the Air Force Academy after high school and left after completing one year as he often stated, “he had received all the discipline he could manage.” He moved on to Montana State University and earned his undergraduate degree and became a lifelong Bobcat. Shortly after his graduation he attended a “real school” (according to Brett) to study law at the University of Montana. After receiving his law degree he worked for one year at Montana Legal Services in Hardin, Montana.
In 1971 he moved to Miles City when his law school classmate, Butch Krutzfelt, asked him to be Custer County’s first Deputy County Attorney. At that time he and Butch also established a private legal practice and were partners for many years.
In 1972, he met the love of his life Linda, and they married on March 18, 1974. When they married he gained a stepson, Josh. In December 1976, Beau Jon was born and in March of 1979 Brett James completed the family.
Keith was elected as the Custer County Attorney in November of 1975 and served until he retired in 1993. During that time he held several offices, including President of the Montana County Attorney Association.
He continued his private legal practice until retiring in March of 2014. Unfortunately one month after retirement he suffered a debilitating stroke. Despite the effects of the stroke he lived a comfortable life at his home for over five years.
Wherever he went throughout his life he accumulated many great friends who he dearly cherished. He loved to tell stories of his escapades and people loved hearing them.
During his time in Miles City he joined several local organizations, including the Miles City Town and Country Club, Miles City Club, Elks, and Eagles. He was also one of the founding members of the ‘95 Great Montana Cattle Drive.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Marley and Chick, and his brothers Lennie and Randy. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda, and his stepson, Josh (Jade) Stratton of Miles City, and sons Beau, of Whitehall, MT, and Brett (Charity) of Chugiak, AK. He is also survived by his sisters, Tess (Tom) Brady of Stanford, MT and Kathy (Ben) Smith of West Virginia, and sister-in law Jane Haker of Missoula, MT. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jena (Nelson Walker), Jonna, Jade, Jace and Jayli Stratton and Madeline, Harper and Charlie Haker, plus three great grandchildren, Kale, Aria and Alyvia. Also surviving are his nieces Wendy, Erica and Lindsay and nephew Tyler.
A celebration of Keith’s life will be held at the Miles City Town and Country Club on Saturday, July 20th at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 p.m.
Saturday July 20, 2019
Town & Country Club
727 S. 4th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 p.m.
Saturday July 20, 2019
Town & Country Club
727 S. 4th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Vicki Hess says
Linda Haker:. So sorry to hear about Keith passing. It’s always so hard to lose a loved one.
Jayne Davis says
Linda, We just heard about Keith. It saddens our hearts. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Nancy McDonagh says
God bless you in your sorrow and praying for the Lord’s peace for you and yours.
Sue Jens says
Our thoughts and prayers are going to your family, rest in peace Keith, the lord now has you in his hands.
Peggy and Jerry Stanley says
Deepest sympathy. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Jan Wagner says
Linda and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. There are many things to remember about Keith, but going to football games and watching our sons play, has to be one of the best. God Bless. Terry and Jan WGner
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pam Rogge says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days ahead.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
So very sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. May the many memories you have comfort and keep you in the days and years ahead. Linda, My sincere sympathy to you and your family at this sad time.
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Linda and All Family:
Condolences from Lucy and me. I always enjoyed Keith’s presence, both professionally and socially. His conversation was intellectual, interesting, and humorous. He will be missed by all. Best wishes.
Denise Harvey says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find comfort and peace with cherished memories.
Denise Harvey
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
We were so sorry to learn of Keith’s passing. We will always remember Keith’s wonderful sense of humor.
Please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Jesse Leidholt says
Dear Linda and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Keith. Linda, you did such a wonderful job taking care of Keith, you have been an inspiration to many. After a while you will remember all of the fun times you had together and your heart will fill with peace. Hugs to you dear Linda.
Brenda Pauley Witkowski says
Beau and family,
So sorry to hear about your dad! My thoughts and prayers are with you old friend!! Hugs to you!!!
Wanda Gresens says
It has been many years since I have lived in MC and seen Keith but I remember him as a happy person with a great personality and a zest for his work . My thoughts go out to his family .
James Liles says
Dear Linda and family, We are sorry to learn of Keith’s passing, but will always remember how much fun he could be and what a great storyteller he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Scott & Voni Tally says
Linda & family- we are so very sorry for your loss- pray for God to comfort you.
Ron and Connie Watts says
To Keith’s family – So sorry for your loss. Keith is a Miles City legend and will be missed.
Ron and Marilyn Frize says
Linda and all of Keith’s family – may you all find comfort with your many memories and love shared.
Natilie Freitas says
To the Haker Ohana- Lots of love & Aloha to the family. Glad to be apart of your extended family. He’ll be truly missed. Aloha Oe Keith!
Kris Rasmussen says
Linda & family
Sorry for your loss, my thoughts & prayers are with you
Lynn & Lois McGuire says
Linda, we were so saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Kathleen & Jaclynn Grauman says
Linda, holding you in our hearts, wishing you peace and comfort in the love of family and friends.
DENNIS R MCEWEN says
I played football against Keith a long time ago. He was by far the toughest opponent we faced. He was also a great guy. My condolences and prayers. From a St. Leo’s Trojan.
Brad Averill says
Linda,
May The Holy Spirit comfort you and your family. Keith was a unique and special person. 100% character with a huge heart! I am proud to be his cousin. God rest his soul.
Brad Averill & Family
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Linda and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Keith You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Doug and Diane Ellingson
Frank Tooke says
Keith was a fine attorney and had a presence in Custer County. He was liked by many and respected by most. He contributed a great deal to the community. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Peggy and Chuck says
We are thinking of you and your family Linda, deepest sympathy.