Kevin Keenaghan
Kevin Keenaghanan, age 68, of Brookings, S.D., passed away at home on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, surrounded by his family.
Kevin was born on November 18, 1949, in Jamaica, N.Y., to Kevin D. and Jean Keenaghan. He graduated from Freeport High School in Freeport, N.Y. in 1967 and from Lea College in Albert Lea, Minn., in 1971. Kevin started his teaching career in McClusky, N.D. While teaching and coaching in McClusky he met Susan Tinjum. They were married in Powers Lake, N.D., on September 1, 1973. They moved to Stanley, N.D., where he became an Elementary Principal. He received his Master’s Degree from Bemidji State University in 1978. His first Superintendent job was in Berthold, N.D. He later became Superintendent in Northwood, N.D., and Watford City, N.D., before moving to South Dakota to finish his education career at the Deubrook Area School District as Superintendent. He retired June 30, 2017, after 46 years in education.
Kevin left a lasting impression on many students, parents and communities in his educational career as teacher, coach, elementary principal and superintendent. Although his main job was behind a big desk, his favorite place was in the halls or lunch room with the students or sweeping the gym floor in between games. His motto always was “What’s Best for Kids.”
Kevin enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and doing anything with his grandchildren. His favorite thing was being in his boat at a lake. He served on any committee that needed help, especially if it benefited school and students. Kevin was active at all of the churches he attended in the six communities that he lived. He was baptized and became a member of Bethel Baptist in Brookings, S.D. He loved mowing the lawn at Bethel!
Kevin is survived by his wife, Susie of 44 years; daughters, Kara Cunningham, Brookings, Erica (Ezra) King, West Hempstead, N.Y., Bryna Keenaghan, New York, N.Y.; grandchildren, McKenzie and Jackson Cunningham, Ezra and Elija King; brother, Patrick (Alice) Keenaghan; sister, Ann (Nelson) Dunham; brothers-in-law, Larry (Jill) Tinjum, Dale (Pat) Tinjum; sisters-in-law, Linda Tinjum, Judy Sauter; and many nieces and nephews.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Kevin and Jean Keenaghan; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ervin and Lois Tinjum; and brother-in-law, Glen Kuiper.
Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2018, at Bethel Baptist Church in Brookings. Memorial services took place at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 3, 2018, at GracePoint Wesleyan Church in Brookings. Eidsness Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.