Mass of Christian Burial for Delila Keller, 93, of Timber Lake will be at 10 AM, Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Timber Lake. Burial will be at the Timber Lake Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will start at 6 PM Friday with a prayer service at 7 PM at the church. Delila passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Avera Eureka Healthcare Center.

Delila Rose Keller lived a long and steady life shaped by family, work, and faith. Born on February 3, 1933, in Artesian, South Dakota to Henry and Elda (Austin) Hoenslaar, she grew up in the Timber Lake area and attended Madsen Country School, LaPlant Day School, and Timber Lake High School.

On November 3, 1949, she married Linus Keller in Timber Lake, and together they built their life through farming, dairy work, and raising their family. Their moves — from Timber Lake to Bloomfield, Montana in 1955, and later back to the Glencross area in 1958 — reflected the practical demands of work and opportunity. They eventually settled in Timber Lake in 1966, where Delila remained for many decades.

Delila spent her life engaged in the routines and activities that defined her generation. She enjoyed Names’ Day Celebrations when they were popular years ago, playing cards, and going to dances. She enjoyed tending her garden, and spent many summers canning pickles and other vegetables. She was an excellent baker and was known for her kuchen, a recipe she prepared often and well. She also took interest in bird watching and was proud of her yard and flowers. Her involvement in Holy Cross Catholic Church and the Altar Society reflected her consistent commitment to her faith community.

In her later years, Delila moved to Prairie Sunset Assisted Living in Mobridge and then to the Avera Eureka Care Center, where she lived until her passing on April 19, 2026.

Delila is survived by her children, Jerry (Colleen) Keller of Timber Lake, Cheryl (Arlyn) Lawrence of Promise, Sharon (Mark) Hammer of Mobridge; daughter-in-law, Jaci Keller of Pierre, seven grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Kathleen Keller and Fauneil Keller.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Linus on December 24, 2011; her son, Francis on May 4, 2020; her grandson, Austen; and her parents, Henry and Elda.

 

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