Dale Burton Keller, age 69, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at his home with his family at his side. 

Dale was raised in Lansford and graduated from Lansford High School in 1975, where he was active in baseball and basketball.  Dale was the beloved son of Clarence “Clutch” and Gloria (Bennes) Keller, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and stories that will be treasured by all who knew him.  
Dale dedicated 40 years to Bottineau County as a motor grader operator, taking pride in his work and the community he served.  He was a hard-working man who knew how to handle a grader—and, just as importantly, knew how to give his family a hard time.  

Dale had a twin brother, Darrel, with whom he shared a lifelong argument over the most important question between twins: who was older?  No matter how many times it was discussed, neither seemed willing to give in.  Dale also had two sisters.  Dale’s oldest sister was Cindy, who Dale could hear talking a mile away and was Dale’s casino buddy.  Dale enjoyed critiquing some of the clothes Cindy wore.  Dale’s youngest sister, Joni, was Dale’s best friend, maid, nurse and housekeeper.  Dale and Joni always enjoyed each other’s company and Dale especially enjoyed Joni’s driving ability.  

Dale was the Favorite Uncle to one niece and three nephews whom he treasured greatly.  Myron was Dale’s favorite brother-in-law.  Together, those two always had fun, NFL football games, camping trips to the Big Horn Mountains and Saturday afternoons in Grano were a few of their favorite things to do.  Dale’s niece and nephews will especially remember Dale for his unique way of showing affection.  He often told them they had “Skulls of Mush,” a phrase that became one of those family sayings that will live on long after him.  They will also remember discovering—or trying to discover—his candy stashes, which always seemed to be strategically hidden and were always worth looking for.  

Dale loved the outdoors, especially hunting and taking his dog for a walk in the countryside.  He enjoyed the excitement of casinos, and the fun and fellowship of pinochle games at the Keller home, where there was often as much entertainment from the audience as there was at the table.  An annual highlight was the cemetery road trip with his sisters and Myron, which, of course, included an overnight stay at a casino.  Dale enjoyed many trips to Minneapolis with his friends for Vikings games.  Creeker parties and family gatherings added to the collection of stories and laughter that surrounded him. 

Dale was a member of the Lansford Fire Department, Lansford Jaycees, Pheasants Forever, softball teams, and bowling league.  Dale was deeply patriotic and took immense pride in his country.  He especially enjoyed hosting fireworks shows, appreciating the sights, sounds, and spectacle of a good celebration.  

Those who knew Dale will remember a man who worked hard, played hard, teased those he loved, and made his own mark on the lives of his family and friends.  His humor, stubborn streak, love of adventure, and unmistakable personality will be missed dearly.  Though he is gone, the stories will remain—the pinochle games, the candy stashes, the hunting trips, the mountains, the arguments with his twin, and, of course, those beloved “Skulls of Mush.”

Family:  Dale is survived by three siblings, his twin brother, Darrel (Pam) Keller and Scottie and family; and two sisters, Cindy (Myron) Mitzel and Joni Lee (Mark).  He is also survived by one niece and three nephews and their families, Chandra (Mitzel) Sailer, fiancé Justin, and daughter Jewel; Jaden (Megan) Mitzel and sons Jack and Knox, Cody (Kessie) Baier and children Braelynn, Ryder, Payson and Parker, and Jesse, his partner, Dawn, and Dawn’s children Isaac, Christian and Gracie, and granddaughter, Moody Rae.  Also surviving Dale are Aunt Jane Thompson, Aunt Merle (Bennes) Schmidt, Uncle Rodney Bennes and many Keller and Bennes cousins, and many great Friends. 

Dale was preceded in death by:  His parents; grandparents, Burton and Olga Bennes, and John and Anna Keller; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.  

Dale leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will carry them forward with love, laughter, and gratitude.  Dale’s family offers a heartfelt thank you to his Hospice care provided by Caring Edge and Cornerstone Caregiving.  Also, Thank You Father Luger for the weekly visits, Dale appreciated them! 

Mass of Christian Burial:  11:00 a.m., Monday, September 28, 2026, St. John Catholic Church, Lansford, with Father Greg Luger presiding. A recording of the service will be posted after the funeral Mass. 

Rosary/Vigil Service:  7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 27, 2026, at St. John Catholic Church, Lansford. 

Burial:  St. John Catholic Cemetery, Lansford. 

Visitation:  6:00 p.m. until the start of the Rosary/Vigil Service on Sunday, at the church.  Friends may also sign the online guestbook at brosefuneralhome.com. (Brose Funeral Home, Mohall)