05/29/2026
Keith A. Melby, 72, Kenmare, ND, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident near Bowbells, ND.
Keith Allen Melby was born April 6, 1954, the third of seven children born to Dwaine and Ardyce (Maltby) Melby in Kenmare, ND. He was raised and educated in Bowbells, where he graduated in 1973. Keith furthered his education by attending Bismarck Junior College, where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Welding.
Keith grew up working alongside his father in farming and construction, where he gained a lifelong appreciation for dedication and hard work. When his father tragically passed, Keith took over operations of the Melby Farm, and Melby Construction. In addition, he worked for the North Dakota Highway Department, beginning in August of 1994, retiring in April of 2015. Keith's skill and dedication were recognized through multiple awards at the Snowfighters Roadeo’s while he worked for the State Highway Department.
Keith was a devoted and proud dad to Allison and Justin. They grew up working alongside him, learning his value of hard work and pride in a job done well. They also shared the joy of hunting and Keith and Allison shared many hours in the saddle. Justin worked hard alongside his dad into adulthood, digging or any other construction projects, where an extra pair of hands would be helpful.
On November 25, 2000, Keith married the love of his life, Sherry (Rudland) Brekhus, at Evanger Lutheran Church near Kenmare, ND. Together they made their home on their farm, where they built a life filled with love, hard work, and simple joys. Sherry often worked alongside Keith, helping move equipment and sharing in the many projects around their yard.
Keith cherished spending time with Sherry, riding side-by-side, kayaking, traveling to National Parks, hunting, rockhounding, dancing, or simply enjoying each other's company. Their time together brought him true happiness and created memories that will be treasured forever.
Keith was also grateful for the relationships he shared with Michael and Tonya and their families.
Another joy of Keith’s was being a grandpa. He always took the time to sit down, be present, and make each grandchild feel special. He enjoyed attending all of the grandchildren’s activities, programs and Grandparent’s Camp through Metigoshe Minstries. Grandpa and Noah shared a special bond, spending countless hours together on the construction equipment, with Noah proudly serving as Grandpa's sidekick.
Keith was known for his calm presence, steady faithfulness, and the way he made people feel seen and heard. He was someone others could count on — patient, dependable, and always willing to give his time to those he loved. He had the “gift of gab,” and when you left an encounter with him, you always knew you had made a friend. His conversations were rarely short and never missed a detail!
Keith also took tremendous pride in preparing gravesites and burials. He dedicated countless hours and great attention to every detail, always wanting each site to be done with care, respect, and perfection. The time and effort he poured into his work reflected the pride he took in serving others during difficult moments. Keith took pride when he was asked to dig a grave. He would be sure to visit the graveside again, to see if they needed more attention. When Keith was called, you knew it would be done precisely.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed tremendously by all that knew him.
Keith is survived by:
Wife of 25 years Sherry; children: Allison (Jason) Morris, Justin (Dana) Melby, Michael (Joanna) Brekhus, and Tonya (Brady) Kellerman; eight grandchildren: Charlotte Brekhus, Natasha Brekhus, Jayden Kellerman, Lucy Kellerman, Noah Morris, Elizabeth Melby, Lila Yellowbird, Royson Yellowbird: siblings: Mike (Deb) Melby, Deb Veik, Barb (Rick) Bosch, Kent Melby, Janette McCollum, Anita Tharnish; in-laws Tim (Denise) Johnson and Rodney (Mona) Rudland; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Dwaine and Ardyce Melby, brother-in-law Mark Tharnish and father and mother-in-law Glen and Jeanette Rudland.
Visitation: Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10 am until service time at Evanger Lutheran Church, rural Kenmare, ND.
Funeral Service for Keith: Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11 am at Evanger Lutheran Church, rural Kenmare, ND.
Burial: Evanger Lutheran Cemetery, rural Kenmare, ND.
The funeral service will be video taped and may be viewed on Monday, June 8, 2026
