Harold Keilman passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 30, 2012. He had a wonderful last few days surrounded by family and many visitors whose lives he touched. He was 76._x000D_
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Harold was born in Pocatello, Idaho, (because he wanted to be with his mother) on Sept. 22, 1935. He was raised in Miles City, where he graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School. After graduation, he attended University of St. Thomas in Minnesota for a time before attending aircraft mechanic school, where he received his A&P license. He worked as an aircraft mechanic in California and Nebraska for several years before returning to Montana State University to complete his teaching degree. He then worked from 1967 to 1997 teaching aircraft mechanics at the Helena College of Technology. He was an incredibly hard worker who also supported his family running a dental lab business for many years. After retirement, he continued teaching for a time at Colorado Northwestern Community College and then at St. Andrews Catholic School in Helena. During the years, he also tutored various students in math. _x000D_
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After moving to Helena he met Marjorie Kelly of Butte and they married on June 11, 1971. Together they have three children and were blessed to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in 2011._x000D_
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Harold had a passion for lifelong learning as well as for teaching. He had an incredible amount of patience and found so much meaning when a student excelled and grasped a new concept._x000D_
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His faith was always a place where he found solace. He attended Cursillo, which enhanced and deepened his spirituality further. He was very involved in Fourth Day prayer groups and enjoyed learning from and sharing with these men. However, his faith was most importantly shared through his actions — in the way he treated his family, friends and those who might be in need of a helping hand. _x000D_
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His family was his most important gift in life, as he was to them. He loved his children and grandchildren so deeply. He made sure each of them knew how loved they were and how proud he was of the people they had become._x000D_
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Hal tried to keep his sense of humor in life and always left people with a joke, often to the chagrin of Marge, who had to bear many of the same jokes over and over. He put a smile on the faces of many medical staff with his positive attitude through years of medical procedures._x000D_
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Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Leroy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marge; daughter, Kelly and husband Thom Trunkle; sons, Nick and wife Patty Hertweck Keilman and Daniel and wife Brittnie Burke Keilman. He leaves behind his four young grandchildren, with whom he has enjoyed the last few summers in the backyard and one grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his three brothers, Leo, Gail, Paul and many beloved relatives._x000D_
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Vigil services will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Mass will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church with reception following the service. Graveside committal will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery. _x000D_
Harold requested that memorials be made to God’s Love Ministries, 533 North Main Street, Helena, MT 59601; or Good Samaritan Ministries, P.O. Box 5177, Helena, MT 59604.
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Rena H. Smith says
The Montana Aviation Community has truly lost a great man. Anyone that went through the Um Helena A&P school knew Mr. Keilman and how many btu his spicy hot Cheetos had in them (which he demonstrated when he’d light them on fire) as well as how many seconds it would take for an exploding rivet to pop (funny when a student is concentrating on measuring bend radius and setback). He was dedicated, committed, intelligent, sincere, caring and funny. He dedicated over 30 years to Helena Vo-Tech. I enjoyed our conversations about the school, about our career and about our families. He helped me tremendously when I 1st started teaching. My sincere condolences to Marj, Kelly, Nick and Dan.
Emmett Coon says
I worked with Hal At UM_Helena. He was a great mentor of all his students and a great teacher. I won’t forget his story about the “Wizzard” wrenches nor the presentation his students made him at his last graduation before retirement. He is missed.
Mike and Jo Copeland says
Dear Marjie,
We’re so sorry to hear about Hal. When Mike and I, and the kids, lived next door to you and Hal we would visit with him from across the fence fairly often. What a gentle and kind man. He even offered to help our children with math as they got older. Some people have a gift to touch those around them in a special way… Hal was one of those people. He will be sorely missed. God bless you and your family Marjie.
Sincerely,
Jo and Mike Copeland
Kari Shirley says
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Hal was an awesome man, and we enjoyed our “over the fence chats”. He always had a smile! He will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Chris and Kari Shirley and family
Mark, Lynn, And Emily Breckenridge says
We enjoyed our brief visit with Marge and Hal during our stopover in the summer of 2010. My dad always spoke so highly of Hal. He enjoyed all his phone visits and his few personal visits with Hal. the miles between Texas and Montana never stopped the laughter that accompanied the phone calls between them. Hal will be missed
Chris Nelson says
I had the great opportunity to spend my first couple years teaching at St. Andrew School along side Hal. I still teach there today, and try to carry myself in a similar way that I observed Hal do with his students; always smiling, expecting the best of himself and his students, and being a soldier for Christ. Thanks Hal, you’ll always be a member of the St. A’s community.