Keith David Kerbel, 67, died peacefully October 10, 2018 from complications of cancer
while surrounded by his family.
Keith was born in Sidney, MT to David and Sonja (Rud) Kerbel on December 14, 1950.
He and his family moved to Billings, MT his sophomore year of school. He graduated
from Billings Senior High in 1969, where he ran track and was named Montana
outstanding track star of the year. Due to his long fast legs, he w as a successful
sprinter which led to a scholarship to attend University of Montana. He continued his
education and competed in track, graduating with a Bachelors from the forestry school
in 1974. Because of his outstanding track career, Keith w as inducted into the U of M
Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.
Keith met the love of his life, Lynette Bird, while in college. They married in 1972 and
created 46 years of wonderful memories together. He had three daughters, Stephanie,
Robin and Lindsey, which he loved with all his heart. He was a devoted father who was
always there for his “girls.” He was passionate about being involved in all the girls’
activities which ranged from music to dance to sports.
Keith had a fulfilling career with the Department of Natural Resources, first in Broadus
and then Miles City. He was promoted to manager of the Billings office in 1981 where
he enjoyed a long career. He was named employee of the year in 1991. After retiring,
he worked for the Bureau of Reclamation for three years. He then followed his true
passions of golfing with anyone and everyone as well as socializing with his coffee and
beer buddies. Sports was a big part of his life, especially watching the Green Bay
Packers, rarely missed a game, and spending many hours playing fantasy sports. Keith
adored his five grandchildren and spoiled them every chance he had. He was the most
loving husband, father, papa and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Lynette, three daughters: Stephanie (David) Coe, Robin
(Robert) Ridgely, and Lindsey (John) Sutton and 5 grandchildren: Hanna & Cam eron
Coe, Taylor & Nicolas Ridgely and Fallon Sutton; his brothers and sister Jim, Mark and
Rhonda Kerbel, and their children; and his extended family, the Bird’s.
A memorial service will be held at Harvest Lockwood Campus, 1413 Rosebud, Billings,
MT 59101 on Monday, October 15 at 11:00 am followed by a lunch reception.
Memorials in lieu of flowers can be sent to Scramble 4 A Cure c/o Tyler Gardner, 19
Gardner Rd, Ashland, MT 59003, Relay for Life, or charity of your choice.
We thank the many doctors and nurses at St Vincent Hospital and Frontier Cancer
Center for their loving care.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday October 15, 2018
Harvest Lockwood Campus
1413 Rosebud
Billings, Montana 59101
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday October 15, 2018
Harvest Lockwood Campus
1413 Rosebud
Billings, Montana 59101
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Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Lynette and girls, so sad to see this notice. Prayers are with you.
Bonnie Sprague says
Oh Lynette and girls, I just heard about Keith from Marie and so sad to hear. I send my love and prayers to all of you and to all of the family.
Carol Hanrahan says
Dear Lynette and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Keith was such a nice person, I can only imagine the tremendous loss you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort are with you at this difficult time.
With love,
Carol Mellor Hanrahan
Kim O. says
Dear Lynette and family,
My deepest sympathies to you. Keith was so proud of his family. He was such a good fellow. I appreciated that he shared his water rights and water resources knowledge with me over the years and especially after I came to Billings. I so enjoyed his laughter. May you find comfort in your memories. Kim O.
Allyson Kane says
Lynette and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed our visit last summer and we were very optimistic about Keith’s health. Love and prayers to you all. Please call me if there’s anyway I can do anything
Nanette Ruffatto says
I’m so sorry for the loss of my cousin Keith. He always had the best smile. Many good memories from when we were little children.
I hold Lynette and girls to the LIGHT.
Jan and Dawn Langel says
Lynette and girls,
I am so sorry to hear about Keith. I have nothing but great memories of him. He was a great boss and taught me a lot. He was so liked by all he worked with especially the public. He will be missed. We are thinking of you all.
JoAnn Coe says
Keith will be missed and in our hearts always! I am grateful to him for being a wonderful father-in-law to my son. Lynette, Stephanie, Robin, Lindsey, and your entire family are in my prayers. May you find peace in your memories. Love and God Bless.
Jim & Michel Salisbury says
Lynette and family. We are so sad that Keith has passed away so young. He is one of only a few friends we have stayed in touch with for 40+ years. We have always laughed and smiled every minute we were all together. The world has lost a great husband,father, grandfather and dear friend. We truly loved Keith. We will never forget his laugh, hugs and smile.
Jim and Michel
Myles Van Hemelryck says
Sympathy and prayers for the family of Keith. He was such a person with a personality that you would never forget. He helped me into DNRC which I always grateful for. One heck of a gentleman.
Kerri Strasheim says
I am so sorry for your loss – my deepest sympathies. I enjoyed working with Keith, especially his sense of humor, which can be very helpful in the world of water! May good memories provide some comfort to you all.
Bob Larson says
Lynette and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Keith had such a good sense of humor and all the Regional,Managers have precious memories
thru good times and bad working together trying to solve all the water rights issues. Keith’s contributions were greatly appreciated by his colleagues. My deepest sympathies and prayers for the family.
Bob Larson
Ted and Cathy says
Lynette and all the family,
We just heard about Keith and are so sorry for your loss. All our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you have a wonderful family and wonderful memories to help comfort you in the days ahead. We will be thinking of you each day. God bless you all, Ted & Cathy
LaVerne Ivie says
Lynette & family,
Keith was a class individual, wonderful to work with and one of those individuals that we could count on to do what he said he would do — a rare quality in today’s society. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Condolences, LaVerne Ivie
Tom Zuelke says
I worked with Keith in the 80’s and so sorry to hear of his passing and your loss
Ken and Deb Wersland says
Many of my favorite high school and college laughs, ball games, and beer were with Keith. He loved to laugh more than anyone I ever knew…..his memories will always be precious to me, our love, and prayers are with all of his family. May GOD bless you all.
Mary Partridge says
Lynette, So sorry to hear about your loss. You and the rest of your family are i my thoughts and prayers.
Kathie (Benge) Patten says
Dear Lynette and Family,
Sending my love and prayers! I have fond memories of Keith and you at school in Missoula! I would love to reconnect with you in Denver, Littleton! Hugs to all of you!
Chris Young says
Lynette, I was so surprised to see the bad news. When I last saw you and Keith, you were both so optimistic and he looked so good. Must have come on real fast. I am so very sorry for your loss and I can’t imagine how much of a loss this is for you. Keep the memories close.
Keith and Cheryl Fuhrman says
Lynette,Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Scott Irvin says
To Keith’s Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m grateful to Keith for his mentorship and friendship over the last 30 years. While he had a wealth of knowledge when it came to his profession – water rights – I’ve always been particularly struck by how he treated people. He always made you feel comfortable with his big smile and laugh. I’m lucky to have known him.
Scott Irvin
Lillian Ostendorf says
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Many fun memories of him and branding at Steves.
Donna Dague says
Lynette, I am so sorry to hear of Keith passing. It seems so unfair when he seemed to be doing well with his fight against cancer. I will be thinking of you n your family. Blessings❤️
Elaine Gotfredson says
Lynette and family,We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed visiting with you and Keith. We send our heartfelt sympathies and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love to you, from Ed & Elaine
Peg Barkemeyer says
Lynette and family,
We are saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. Our thought are with you.
Dan & Peg Barkemeyer
Bill Ehresman says
I was not a close friend on Keith’s, however I held great respect for him. He always had a smile and always could have a nice conversation with anyone. I loved to see him at the golf course. Sorry for your loss and wish I could have honored him with attendance at his service.