Kevin Keenaghan, age 68, of Brookings, passed away at home on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, surrounded by his family.  Visitations will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2018, at Bethel Baptist Church in Brookings.  Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018, at GracePoint Wesleyan Church in Brookings.  Eidsness Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.  

Kevin was born on Nov. 18, 1949 in Jamaica, New York to Kevin D. and Jean Keenaghan. He graduated from Freeport High School in Freeport, New York in 1967 and from Lea College in Albert Lea, Minnesota, in 1971. Kevin started his teaching career in McClusky, North Dakota. While teaching and coaching in McClusky he met Susan Tinjum.  They were married in Powers Lake, North Dakota, on Sept. 1, 1973. They moved to Stanley, North Dakota where he became Elementary Principal.  He received his Masters Degree from Bemidji State University in 1978. His first Superintendent job was in Berthold, North Dakota.

He later became Superintendent in Northwood, North Dakota, and Watford City, North Dakota 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, SD. 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, New York, Bryna Keenaghan, New York; 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.