Keith Bradley Stehlik 57 of Vetal, S.D. passed away July 2nd, 2020 in Martin, SD. Keith was born on November 11th 1962 to Norman and Gloria Stehlik in Tecumseh, NE. He joined 3 siblings at home, Robert, Dale, and Gayle.
Keith grew up doing all kinds of farm work and odd jobs for different people. As Keith got older he moved all around Nebraska working a variety of different jobs. Keith eventually ended up in Valentine, NE where he worked for Daniselski Farms during which time he met Helen Long in 1984. They were joined in marriage on June 21, 1986. Then in 1987 they welcomed their first born Reba Marie. They resided in Valentine until January 1988 when they moved to Martin, SD. While there Keith worked a variety of places; Jerry Lyon, Ray Hicks, Wheeler Trucking, Palmer’s and Mosher’s. In 1990 they welcomed their middle child Amanda Jo to the family. Then in March of 1992 he started a farm/ranch job for Jeff Johnson in which they moved to the Johnson Ranch where he resided and worked until his death. In 1994 they welcomed their youngest daughter Tanya Ann.
Keith served on the Vetal Fire Department for over 20 years. While on the department he served as Fire Chief from 2005-2011. His passion for the fire department rubbed off on his daughter Amanda to where she joined Vetal Fire Department as soon as she got old enough to. He enjoyed serving the community and helping wherever he could. Keith was not shy to step up when the fire departments or Sheriff’s office needed assistance. He eventually ended up being known as Mr. Vetal through all other local fire departments and local law enforcements offices.
Keith enjoyed fishing, watching Nascar, listening to country music, and visiting with friends at the Martin Auto Parts or the Sheriff’s Office. If you couldn’t reach him on the phone you just needed to look at one of those two places and you would find him. Although he fully enjoyed doing those things his greatest pleasure and the light of his life was his 3 girls and 3 grandkids. Keith wasn’t afraid to teach his girls or grandkids something new or guiding them through fixing something. Keith had a Ford F-150 red pickup that he was working on one day and Reba decided to help him by using a screwdriver but ended up leaving several scratches down the side. Once he found out what Reba was doing, he was not happy. When it was time to stop for lunch, Keith would come home and Tanya would always have tuna sandwiches waiting for him. When he couldn’t come home, she would bring him his sandwiches to the tractor and he would eat them in the field. Since Tanya was the only one that liked eating tuna sandwiches with him, he eventually started calling her Tuna. He always had the biggest smile on his face when he could get his grandkids in the tractor with him. He loved to get them in the swather and do cookies in the middle of the field until they looked sick to their stomachs.
Keith is preceded in death by his father, Norman, his mother, Gloria, his step mother Janice and father in law Jack Long.
He is survived by his wife Helen, his daughters Reba Marie of Valentine, Amanda Jo (Lindell) of Martin, and Tanya Ann (Tyler) of Box Elder. His precious grandkids, Holly Jo (Hockey), Riggen Cash (Spud), and Tayah Marie (Tater) all of Martin. His brothers, Robert (Tammy) and Dale (Trish) and sister Gayle (Russ) Peterson, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be held Tuesday July 14, 2020, 10:00 AM at the New American Legion, Martin, SD. A memorial has been established for the Vetal Fire Department and donations may be sent in care of Helen Stehlik, 217 Stumer Rd #A3, Rapid City, SD 57701. Bennett County Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Martin American Legion
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