Maureen J. Keeley

Maureen Jean Keeley, 73, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls, SD, on September 27, 2026. Her faith in God and love for her family gave her strength throughout her long journey with multiple sclerosis and, in the end, carried her peacefully home.

Maureen was born March 17, 1953, in Yankton, SD, to Clare and Mae (Harmon) Keeley. She was raised on the family farm outside Wakonda, SD, as the youngest of seven children—six girls and one boy. She attended school in Wakonda and later graduated from the University of South Dakota. Maureen spent many years as a dedicated special education teacher in Avon, SD.

Her love of teaching and children continued long after she left the classroom. Maureen famously kept a stash of children’s books in the trunk of her car, always ready to read a story and spark a child’s imagination.

Maureen loved being around people and was always ready for a celebration, especially St. Patrick’s Day—a fitting favorite for someone born on March 17. She cherished time with family and friends and had a special gift for bringing people together through conversation, laughter, and a good time.

Even as multiple sclerosis brought challenges over the years, Maureen’s caring nature and love for others remained at the heart of who she was.

Maureen is survived by her sister, Bonnie (Bruce) Bentaas, Centerville, SD; nieces Keeley Pollman, Sioux Falls, SD, and Rachel (Nick) Martz and their children, Sage and Oakley, Centerville, SD; and nephews Mike (Casey) Pollman and their children, Miles, Max, and Macy, Wakonda, SD, and Zak (Molly) Knutson, Burbank, CA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clare and Mae Keeley; sisters Mary Valentine, Carol Pollman, Pat Knutson, and Donna Keeley; brother Mike Keeley; and brothers-in-law Ken Valentine and John Pollman.