A private celebration of life for Keith Rayburn Butrum, 67, of Veblen, SD will be held at the family ranch on May 30th, 2020 at 11a.m. Due to the difficulties and challenges of Covid-19, in lieu of a public service the family has chosen to remember the great outpouring of love and friendship that was shown to Keith and family during the benefit that was held in his honor on Oct. 28, 2018. Keith chose to be cremated and requested that his ashes be spread over the hills of their ranch and also at his birth home near Garretson, SD, especially on that cold hillside near the pit silo where he had to shovel silage into the wagon by hand!

Keith Rayburn Butrum was born August 27, 1952 to Rayburn A. Butrum and Eleanor Geraldine (Stalheim) Butrum in Sioux Falls, SD, the third of four children. Keith was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson, SD. Keith attended White Willow rural school and graduated from Garretson High School in 1971. He went on to attend vo-tech school in Iowa.

After college Keith moved to the Sisseton area to work as a ranchhand and wrangler at the Hi-Horizon Western Saddle Camp for Girls. It was there that Keith met Holly Monson, a camp counselor. Keith and Holly were married on Oct. 1, 1977 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sisseton, SD. In 1985 Keith and Holly were blessed with the birth of a son, Heath Butrum, adding joy to their lives.

Keith was a hard worker and early riser working two full-time jobs for much of his life. Keith and Holly started their own small herd of cattle and later joined James (Bud) and Vivian Monson on the family homestead, a fourth-generation ranch nestled into the beautiful foothills two miles north of Sica Hollow State Park in northeast SD. In addition to ranching full time until his passing, Keith worked other jobs to support his family. Most notably he was a patrolman with the Sisseton Police Department for 25 years, retiring in 2003. Keith served as a Session member for the Presbyterian Church of Veblen, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and President of the Claire City Fire District.

Aside from being a hard worker, he had many passions and hobbies. Everyone who knew Keith knew of his love of horses. Many described him as a gentle giant of a man. He could be a hero to his 4 year old niece and best friend to his 101 year old uncle all at the same time! Family and personal relationships were very important to Keith. He looked forward to the numerous young relatives and friends that came to visit the Butrum home. He was an avid conversationalist with a ready and engaging smile. He also loved to cook and test out new recipes and cuisines. He enjoyed dancing; his imposing frame floated across the floor.

Keith was diagnosed with stage 4 hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) in early 2018. He battled long and hard, overcoming many obstacles and winning many battles, but ultimately losing the war after 27 months. His spirit departed this earthly life in their family home after spending his last days surrounded by family and friends, full of gratitude and love.

Keith is survived by his wife Holly of Veblen, SD and their son Heath (Liz Porter) of Tucson, AZ; sister Renee Boehrns of Volin, SD and family; brother-in-law Douglas Hornseth of Richfield, MN; mother-in-law Vivian Monson of Veblen, SD; brother-in-law Terry (Mary Kay) Monson of Veblen, SD and family; sister-in-law Susan Yammerino of Sisseton, SD and family; Lauri (Bill) Fugate of Kadoka, SD and family; Carol (Clark) Ringsaker of Watertown, SD and family; sister-in-law Lezli Monson of Brookings, SD and family; and godmother Arlene Hall of Howard, SD; and numerous other relatives.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents , brother Kevin Butrum of Garretson, SD; sister Jeneane Butrum of Richfield, MN; brother-in-law Bruce Boehrns of Volin, SD; father-in-law James (Bud) Monson of Veblen, SD; brother-in-law James Yammerino of Sisseton, SD; niece RaNae Yammerino of Sisseton, SD; niece Shannon Monson of Grand Junction, CO.

Please send condolences, memories, and memorials to Holly Butrum, 11056 449th Ave, Veblen, SD 57270.