November 14, 1944 – January 16, 2026 ____________________________________
With his boots on and his soul at rest, Kenny Meier passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, at a gate while going to check on his livestock. A beloved husband, devoted father, grandfather and greatgrandfather, an avid horseman, a man of the prairie, a steward of the land, a loyal friend and neighbor, and a faithful servant who has now found his eternal home in the arms of the Lord.
Kenny was born to William Meier and Mae Whalen Meier on November 14, 1944, in Mobridge, the middle child of three. He grew up on a farm north of Timber Lake. He attended Long Butte Country School, through the 8th grade, riding his horse to school most of the time. He then attended Timber Lake High School.
Growing up on the family farm, Kenny developed a deep love for horses at an early age. Much of his youth was spent helping on his parents’ farm, working alongside his uncle Melvin “Mel” Meier and neighbor Mell Doran. He rode and broke horses, attended sales, and often recalled trailing Mell Doran’s horses in the late 1950s from north of Timber Lake to Mobridge with Jim Petersen and Dennis Hintz. He was a member of the Timber Lake Saddle Club, worked for Herb Bader at the Timber Lake Sale Barn, and helped Charles Mulloy build stock dams.
On November 15, 1964, Kenny married Kathleen Holzer at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Timber Lake. In 1967, they settled on the former Frank Cundill homestead southwest of Timber Lake, where they raised their two children, Cindy and Kent. Kenny approached life with purpose, pride, and dedication, building a life centered on faith, family, and community. He met both successes and hardships with grit, grace, and steadfast faith.
Farming and ranching were at the heart of Kenny’s life. He raised Black Angus cattle and horses – saddle horses, work horses, and even a few bucking horses. These were not just his livelihood but part of who he was. With a keen eye for horses, he could match any rider with the right mount and take them across the prairie between the Moreau and Grand rivers, sharing stories along the way.
Kenny never met a stranger. He struck up conversations and formed lasting friendships, often welcoming people back to visit, camp, or hunt. He believed in hard work, honesty, and earning one’s way in life. Though he weathered many storms over his 81 years and held onto values from an earlier time, he was a kind, independent man who lived humbly.
He enjoyed horse sales – buying and selling – and wasn’t shy about putting his kids on horses that needed miles, teaching resilience the hard way. He also broke work horses to drive, using them for feeding livestock, weddings, and parades. Even as technology advanced, Kenny preferred traditional ways, choosing horseback over ATVs for most of his life and relying on a simple phone to stay connected.
A natural tinkerer, he repaired and built equipment from scrap, crafted tack racks from horseshoes and barnwood, and made marble boards for loved ones. He gave generously, including donating his work to benefits. Kenny also had a playful side, known for pranks, tall tales, and a mischievous sense of humor.
An avid reader, he stayed informed through books, magazines, and newspapers, enjoying western authors like Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey, and listening to local radio programs.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Kate, of 61 years; his children, Cindy Lindskov and Kent (Joee) Meier; five grandchildren: Kelsey (Matt) Menge, Justin Lindskov, Megan Meier (Colton Peterman), Morgan (Austin) Weyers, and Wyatt Meier; two great-grandchildren, Elle Menge and Forrie Weyers; sisters-inlaw Dorothy Keller and Judy (Dean) Linquist; nieces Dency (Jammey Gabert & Bryce), Colleen Meier (Mersedes and Aidan) and Brandy Meier (Brayden, Adam, Andrew), Dyleen Meier (Merissa, Leigha and Jericka), Cheryl Meier, Tina (John) Escobar (Melina), Candy Meier, Patty Meier (Kacie and Kayle), Sherry Keller, and Amy Linquist Roe, Kelly Lipp-DeHaas and Tracy Lipp-Nichols; and nephews, Bruce Keller, Scott Linquist, and Eric Linquist.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Randy Meier; sister Karen Lipp; son-in-law AJ Lindskov; and brothers-in-law Val Keller and Fritz Lipp.
Please join us for a remembrance service in celebrating Kenny’s life on Sunday afternoon, June 7, 2026, from 12 – 4 p.m. at the Isabel Pavilion.
(Kate Meier’s address: 14517 240th Ave, Firesteel, SD 57633.)