Kenny Ireland
Kenny Ireland of rural Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City at the age of 75.
Kenny, the third son of Forrest Howard (Shorty) Ireland and Betty Nell Mansfield Ireland, was born in the old Sundet hospital at Kadoka, SD on July 28, 1946.
He grew up on the Ireland Angus Ranch south of Belvidere, SD along the White River.
He attended the community Buffalo School with his siblings, mostly by horseback. High School was in Belvidere then Kadoka, SD, graduating from KHS in 1964. He enrolled at Black Hills State University for summer courses and taught a year, on a Conditional Certificate, at Mansfield School, south of Long Valley, SD. Returning to BHSU he completed his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1969. He loved his years in collegiate sports as the “Rudy” of Black Hills State football team and bull rider for the National Champion Collegiate Rodeo Team.
1969 was a momentous year, graduating in May and marrying that cowboy's sweetheart, Lynden (Lyndy) Williams. Their first home was Winner, SD where he taught and coached. With a family on the way they made the decision to raise their children, Nicki and Vint, on the ranch, such a good life for kids. Early years were spent working on the Claude Allen Berry and Harold Ireland ranches, moving to Triangle Ranch near Cottonwood, SD, in the mid-70's, then to be his forever home ranch. There he worshiped his Creator every day on the wide-open prairies of Western South Dakota.
In addition to ranching, he subbed as a teacher in local schools, enjoyed working at Cottonwood Research Station, Philip Livestock Auction, Jedlicka Ditching and Jackson Co. Highway Department. Kenny was a certified EMT.
The consistent theme of his life was God, Country, Community, Family and Friendships. He put in to practice loving his fellow man through 4-H Leadership, Roping Clubs, Family Wagon Trains and other community endeavors. Those same values of service prompted him to become a member of the Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star, working endless hours on their charities and projects, immensely enjoying the friendship and fellowship. In 1998-99 he served as Grand Master of Masons in South Dakota and in 2012-13 as Worthy Grand Patron of the South Dakota's Order of Eastern Star. He enjoyed 25 years of greeting guests and sharing stories with countless visitors from around the world at Triangle Ranch Bed & Breakfast.
He has gone ahead to make welcome his beloved wife, Lyndy, his daughter Nicole Nelson (Wesley) and son Vincent Ireland (Amy), his grandsons James Nelson (Nylda) and Austin Ireland and his granddaughter, Ashley Rowles (Garrett). He will be waiting for his great-grandsons, Dakoda Stevens, Tanner Marone and Kadyn Westergren, his brothers Jerry Ireland (Pam), Howard Ireland (Cathy), Harold Ireland (Edie); sisters-in-law Thesa Ireland and Nancy Everett (Ray); and sister Connie Holso (Sieg). The reunion will be complete with his much-loved nephews, nieces and their families.
Kenny has been joyfully greeted by his parents, his brother Ronnie Ireland, his father and mother-in-law, Vint and Louisa Williams and Jenn (Jennifer Nelson) his beloved granddaughter and others he has missed so long.
A visitation were held from 5-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, with a prayer service starting at 6:30 p.m. and an OES service starting at 7 p.m. at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 10, at the Fine Arts Gymnasium in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Burial followed at the Triangle Ranch Family Cemetery.
Donations in Kenny's honor can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org
Arrangements were with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
