Keith W. Kettering, 63, of Mellette, SD, died Monday, January 17, 2011 at Avera St. Lukes Hospital in Aberdeen, SD. His funeral will be Friday, January 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Brentford United Church of Christ. Reverend Jon Damaska will officiate. After a time for fellowship and lunch, burial will be in the Mellette Cemetery, with military rites. Visitation will be Thursday from 2-8:00 p.m. with a Masonic service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield and one hour prior to the service in Brentford. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Keith was born July 17, 1947 in Aberdeen, SD to Allen and Alyce (Smith) Kettering. He grew up in the Mellette/Brentford area and graduated from Brentford High School. Keith also graduated from South Dakota State University in Brookings with an Agriculture Engineering degree. He served in the United States Army from 1971-1974. He served in Guam and was in a bomb disposal unit. After his discharge, Keith returned to the farm near Mellette. He worked at Midcom in Aberdeen for a few years and then started a Cooling and Heating business. He most recently was employed by the US Postal Service in Minot, ND.

He was active in the Eastern Star, Masons and Scottish Rite. He also participated in assisting youth 4-H'ers with county photography judging.

Keith is survived by his sister Joan (Elroy) Limmer of Silver City, NM; his nephews: Scott Kettering of Groton, SD and Shannon Kettering of Minneapolis, MN and his niece Shellyene Kettering of Denver, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gerald.