Ervin Keirle

Ervin H. ?Red? Keirle, 87, of Baker, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2003 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive. He was born December 5, 1915 in Baker, the son of Omar and Inga Helland Crawford. Red grew up and attended school in Baker and graduated high school in 1933. He then headed to Minneapolis to attend hairdressing school for the next couple of years. After finishing, he began work as a hairdresser in the area at Mendle Canes. Red soon met and then married Irene Elizabeth Dworshak. They wedded in Baker on August 9, 1940. Red and Irene then pack up and moved to California where he became employed as a shipwelder. While there, he entered the US Navy and served during the WW II campaign. Red was honorably discharged January 25, 1946. After leaving the service, they came back to Baker where Red became involved with the banking business. He went to work for the Baker National Bank as a teller and loan officer. In 1951, Red purchased the Keirle Chevrolet and operated it until 1961. After selling the dealership, he bought the Jim Perry Ranch and ranched there until his retirement in 1995. Irene passed away in 1965. To this union there was born a son, Dean. Red married Bonnie Runk on August 25, 1966 in Baker. They later divorced. When he had the time, he loved to fish and hunt. Red enjoyed the community of Baker through his years. He served as mayor for three terms and was very active in several local organizations. He will be missed by his family and many friends. Red is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Eph Keirle; wife, Irene in 1965; and a sister, Pearl Heller. He is survived by his son, Dean of Baker; a granddaughter, Danni Keirle (great-grandson, Sam) of Woodbury, MN; two nephews: Al (Vicki) Heller of Spearfish, SD and Mark (Susan) Heller of Mesa, AZ; and a special friend, Sandy Shephard of Baker. At Red?s request, cremation was taken place. A Gathering of Remembrance for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, July 16, from 7 PM to 8 PM at the Stevenson Funeral Home. Refreshments will be served. Friends may come and share memories and look at family pictures. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of one?s choice may be given. Stevenson Funeral Homes, Inc are in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www. stevensonfuneralhome. com.


Burial Date: July 16, 2003
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Remembrance Gathering of Friends: Wednesday, Stevenson Funeral Home, Bake