Noel McKeever, 85

Middle River - Noel Ray McKeever was born on December 24, 1938, in Thompson, ND. He was the 3rd of 5 children to parents Glen and Mildred McKeever. He grew up in Middle River and attended Middle River High School and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He joined the Army in 1957 and continued his service in the reserves for another 8 years. Noel was united in marriage to Elaine Knutson in Newfolden on December 2, 1961. After marriage they lived in Middle River and continued to make it their lifetime home raising their two sons, Scott and Kevin. Noel spent his entire life working road construction and would spend many long days running scrapers, dozers or whatever other equipment was needed to get the job done. He worked for several companies over the years that include: Benson Construction, Lien, Moen Brothers, and most recently, Davidson Construction. His love of working various road construction jobs continued through this past summer and he was planning to work again this summer. He had a special eye for slope and grade and always wondered why GPS was needed on the newer equipment. Noel loved his time off so he could enjoy going to all the various ballgames his grandchildren have played over the years and they continued to be his pride and joy sharing stories with them over the years and spending special holidays with them. The past few summers he had the joy of having his son Scott and wife Kathy spending special time with him and sharing his home with the both of them. Noel enjoyed spending his mornings uptown sharing a cup of coffee or breakfast with special friends such as Hjalmer Hanson and anyone else who showed up at Cenex to tell stories and enjoy a few laughs. He had a genuine joy of watching westerns and if you called him or stopped over, he could be found watching Gunsmoke or a rerun of any other western show that was ever made. Noel was an active member of his community and was dearly loved by so many people in and around the Middle River area. He was a lifetime member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, the local 49ers, First Lutheran Church of Middle River, and was also an active member of the American Legion Post 444 of Middle River. Noel is survived by his sons, Scott (Kathy) of Clearwater, FL, and Kevin (Bernice) of Thief River Falls, and their children, Marshall of Erskine, Madison (Jacob Milhalko) of Edina, and Mariah (Bret Skarda) of Bismark, ND. Also surviving is one brother, Glendon (Bernice) McKeever; and sister, Betty Hjelle; along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; his parents, Glen and Mildred; along with brother, Ralph; and sister, Elaine; and his infant granddaughter, Taylor McKeever. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 8, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, with Pastor Tim Lundeen presiding. Visitation will be held after 5 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the church with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to services. Interment services will be held at First Lutheran Cemetery of Middle River following services. Military Honors will be accorded by the Middle River American Legion Post #444 and the Minnesota National Guard. Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Middle River. An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com. A00003B2024MR06