Kenneth Douglas Kiewel was born April 16, 1943, to Walter James Kiewel and Ruth Evelyn (Pederson) Kiewel in Akron, OH. Kenny grew up attending schools in Alzada, MT, then moved to Belle Fourche, SD, where he attended high school. During high school, he enjoyed playing football and racing cars, but above all else he spent most of his time working on ranches and at the Co-Op to help support his family. Kenny and his brothers spent a lot of time hunting to put food on the family table.

Upon graduating from high school, Kenny joined the US Army and served from 01/1962 to 10/1964. At the time Kenny got out of the Army, he was an SP4. Two years and six months of his enlistment was spent overseas.

Following his honorable discharge, Kenny started attending Black Hills State in Spearfish, SD, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree 05/1972. Kenny began his career with Knecht Lumber Mart the same year as a purchasing agent. He spent the next 40 years of his life at Knecht at which time he retired. Kenny was an excellent employee; very dedicated, loyal, and dependable, this led him to winning the Lumberman of the Year award in 2007. This was a very proud moment for Kenny and was something he cherished.

Above all, family was the most important thing to Kenny. He liked to participate in activities that the whole family could enjoy and do together like camping at Angostura, boating, water skiing, fishing, hunting, bean bags, horse shoes, volleyball, and bowling. He was inducted into the Rapid City United Bowling Congress for the Pioneer Award October 3, 2015. During the ceremony, he beamed with pride.

Kenny loved to support his children in whatever they did while growing up, but expected nothing less than 110%. His philosophy was that if you were going to do something you might as well be the best. After the kids were grown, he provided the same support to his grandchildren. During baseball season, you could always find him at the ball park cheering on the kids and giving advice whether it was asked for or not.

Kenny liked giving advice and never sugar coated what he said, but even when he was harsh, you knew that everything he did or said came from a place of love.

Kenny, 74, Rapid City, died Sunday, November 12, 2107, at Fountain Springs Healthcare Center.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Donna, one son, Fred (Teri) Kiewel, and one daughter, Karen (Brett) Foreman, all of Rapid City; three brothers, Wally (Dorthy) Kiewel of Belle Fourche, Clayton (Jeanette) Kiewel of Gillette, WY, and James "Jimmy" (Karin) Kiewel of Kansas; three sisters, Verla Crago, Grace Strickland, and Mavis (Bill) Jeffery all of Rapid City. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Fern Grubb; one brother-in-law, Kenny (Janet) Grubb; and one sister-in-law, Joyce (Dave) Hall.

Kenny had nine grandchildren: Brandon (Jada) Kiewel, Marcus Kiewel, Alex Rutan, Brandy Foreman, Brennan Bartos, Brady Foreman, Steven Kiewel, Kirsten Kiewel, and Trevor Rutan. He also had two great grandchildren: Paityn Kiewel and Rhylan Mazzola; and many nieces and nephews.

Kenny was preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Ruth Kiewel; his father-in-law, Donal Grubb; two brothers-in-law, Marvin Crago and Donald Strickland; and one great-nephew, Nolan Ahner.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 17, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Valley Community Church, 5718 Longview Road, Rapid City. Inurnment, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.