Kelvin ‘Kelly’ Miller

Kelvin “Kelly” Eugene Miller was born Nov. 5, 1957, in Williston, N.D., to Claudia and John Miller.  He was baptized and confirmed at Faith Methodist Church in Williston and attended elementary and high school in Williston.
Kelly’s father passed away when he was 4 years old, and Claudia remarried a few years later to Robert Walstad.
On Dec. 12, 1992, Kelly married Debbie Thom in Williston.  Together  they  lived in Dickinson, N.D., Lemmon, S.D., and Mobridge, S.D., until moving to Custer, S.D., in 2006.  
Kelly and Debbie purchased their winter home in Florence, Ariz., in 2013.  Kelly and Debbie celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in December 2022.
To this union, one daughter, Alyssa Lynae, was born March 8, 1992.
Kelly worked as a cook for a short time at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant, Doug’s Place, in Sundance Wyo., and then moved back to Williston to work at the Red Owl Café until he began his career in the financial industry at Williston Cooperative Credit Union.
Kelly continued his career in financial services for many years. In 2006, Kelly became manager at Highmark Credit Union in Custer until he retired in December 2021.
Kelly had a huge impact not only with members on a personal level but also with numerous commercial entities in the community. His commitment to the communities will leave lasting footprints for many years to come.
Kelly was very active in many service organizations, such as Jaycees, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, economic development throughout the Black Hills, Lions Club and past district governor, chamber of commerce in various cities, and was on the board of directors for Summer Nights, Mobridge Hospital, Caliente Casa de Sol and several other organizations over the years. He held many offices and received many awards over the years.
Kelly, of Custer, S.D., passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Florence Hospital. He was 65.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Claudia Walstad; father, John Miller;  brother, Randall Miller;  mother- and father-in-law, Sheldon and Caroline Thom; sister- in-law, Gail Brenno; niece,  Sarah Helm; and nephew, Chase Miller.
Kelly is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Custer; daughter, Alyssa and grandson Kashus of Grand Junction, Colo.; sister, Pam (Devon) Carr of Rio Rancho N.M.; sister-in-law, Jennifer (Robbie) Miller of Florence; stepfather, Robert Walstad of Florence and his children Nadine (Huey) Walstad of  Grant Pass, Ore., Connie (Terryl) Walstad of Centennial Colo., Debi Paul of Grant Pass and Bob (Belle) Walstad of Cascade, Colo.;  aunts and uncles, Doug and Myrna Halvorson of Bismarck, N.D., and Tony and Lois Kupser of Minot, N.D.; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. June 17 at Mountainview Baptist Church, 12230 Aviation Way, Custer. Pastor Matt Furse is officiating.
Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company June 17 from 1-5 p.m. Text 605-440-2929 the number in your party for food preparation if you plan to attend.