Neil Birkeland

Funeral services for Neil Birkeland, 78, of Dupree were held Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Dupree School Gym. Burial followed at the Dupree Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation was held prior to services. Neil passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023, at his home.

Neil Dean Birkeland was born December 13, 1944, to Leonard O. and Jackie (Jeffries) Birkeland at Dupree, South Dakota and passed away at his home 3 miles south of Dupree on April 8, 2023, with his loving family and friends surrounding him, he was let go to be on his heavenly journey. Being a strong, loving husband and father, memories were made every day, especially with humming and singing such songs “King of the Road,” “How much is that Doggie in the Window”, and “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” Also, he told his family several rodeo stories about being with his mentor, Pete Longbrake, as many travels and miles were spent together when Neil was riding barebacks and bulls. Jess Knight’s visits would quickly start with a game of cribbage.  Jess would celebrate his wins (if he won) by traditionally dancing and singing around the kitchen table.  Jess needed a boxing ring, so Neil was part of building a sturdy boxing ring that is still used today in Eagle Butte. Neil was asked by the In The Woods Family (Burton and Stacie) to build Dupree’s first pow-wow arena; some posts still stand today. From 1965-1968, Neil worked with his cousin, John Birkeland for Marshall Lund Construction in the Dakotas. Construction Foreman John always said that “Neil was the Best Lineman on the job.” His lighthearted nature and enjoyment of a good laugh kept a well-spring of spirit among family, friends, and others.

Neil’s twin sister, Nancy Fields, was his best Dupree High School academic supporter as the story goes….Now, athletics was the real deal, and Neil was highly recognized for his exceptional basketball and football skills. He was an all-star athlete at Dupree High School graduating in 1963. When Neil was in middle school, he had eyes for a young country girl attending Soliday Country School. His love never diminished for her, and on April 1, 1972, Neil married Vicki Williams Parker Dahl at the United Church of Christ in Dupree with John Birkeland, Bart Birkeland, Vivian Thomas, and Cathy Birkeland Buchmaster as their honor attendants.

Neil’s dreams and possibilities were to have several children, build up the Birkeland Ranch, raise top-notch quality Angus cattle, and score a winning hand of cards. As “Lucky Boy” would have it, all his hopes became a reality. He raised five children and watched them flourish.  Neil restored the 1926 hip-roofed red barn that was built by his grandfather (Ole E.) and father (Leonard) through the greatest sweat and labor. Neil added new barns to the ranch. He championed the nack of “AI” ing, welded to perfection, and welded whatever neighbors needed as well as for his own ranch. He built pens that he said “will last for 100 years.”  Neil was honored by being selected as the 2013 American Maine-Anjou Commercial Producer of the Year at the National Western Livestock Show in Denver, Colorado, on January 17, 2014. Over his lifetime, he played a variety of card games and cribbage, which has resulted in a wealth of leisure with friends and family. Of course, most of the children and grandchildren have learned from Neil, how and what to play to Get-The-Winning hand!

Keeping Neil in their fondest memories are his wife, Vicki Birkeland, his two sons, Jace (Kristi) Birkeland, Cliff (Charlene) Moudy, his four daughters Darci (Brian) Harper, Kari Birkeland, Kelli (Brad) Leonard, and Jacki (Reggie) Kennedy. Grandchildren: Dace (Jodi), Jade (Katy), Jess and Drew Harper, Reece Leonard, Sam, Tristan, and Tel Kennedy, Sidni Ferguson, Tee, Cruz, and Fletcher Birkeland, Dakota Moudy, Shayna (Marcus) Richmond, and Casey (Emily) Moudy. Great-grandchildren: Maci, Dillon, Denton Harper, Levi and Liah Harper, Ellie and Nate Moudy, Koree and Wynter White Wolf and Rhett Richmond, Dawson and Cooper Moudy. Sister Nancy (Billy) Fields, brother Bart (Karen) Birkeland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by parents Leonard and Jackie Birkeland, brother Bruce Birkeland, sister-in-law Leota (Starr) Birkeland, sister Betty Lawrence, mother-in-law Evelyn French Parker, father-in-law Ramon “Sharky” Williams, and step-father-in-law Frank Parker.

A card-playing friend, Leo Anthony Bakeberg II, wrote, “The legend has gone to a card table in high places. The Lead Through You King is gone…”