William “Bill” E. Keaster, 69, of Cascade, passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

A funeral liturgy will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cascade.

Bill was born February 13, 1953, the oldest of four children to parents, Richard “Dick” and Marie Keaster. He attended school in a number of locations across Montana, but graduated high school from Harlem, MT in 1971. After graduating from high school, Bill started a lifelong journey as a cowboy. His early years were spent moving from place to place as the work allowed. His travels took him all over Montana and included a stop in Arizona. Bill rarely stayed in one location long enough to draw multiple checks, but his love for the cowboy lifestyle was fueled during this time.

In the spring of 1977, Bill met Cheryl Husby of Sand Coulee, MT, and they were married April 28, 1978. Immediately after getting married, Bill and Cheryl moved to Ekalaka, MT where Bill had taken a job. Together they continued to move around taking jobs as they came up, before finally settling down in Cascade, MT in the fall of 1979.

Bill found his favorite place when he started at the Dana Ranch. Bill worked for the Dana Ranch for several years before taking a brief break and working at the Rumney Ranch, the Brown Ranch, and for Jeff Poncelet. He returned to the Dana Ranch when he agreed to calve for Bob Lemire, but only that. He continued to work at the Dana Ranch for 30+ years until his passing.

He truly and deeply loved the Dana Ranch. He always spoke fondly of the ranch and its ability to raise cattle. The grass, the water, and everything about the ranch in Bill’s eyes made it the perfect place to be. Bill especially looked forward to big gathers, calving season at the B&K, and brandings. He loved everything to do with the cowboy lifestyle. He had a way with horses and especially enjoyed the ones that no one else wanted.

Bill was the ultimate storyteller, and he had a number of them to tell. If you ever had the chance to spend much time around Bill, you surely heard one or 10 of those stories.He was also passionate about his family, especially his son, Tell. Anything and everything Tell was into, Bill was right there. He wanted nothing less than to be involved. Even when he knew his body couldn’t do everything he wanted it to, he still wanted to be there.

He was preceded in death by parents, mother, Marie (Poepping) and father, Richard “Dick” Keaster.

Bill is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cheryl; son, Tell (Becca) Keaster; sister, Katie (Dave) Heath; brothers, Nick (Ellen) and Rob Keaster; niece, Anna; nephews, Dustin, James, RJ, and Bryan; and special family members, Ryelee Nahrgang, Kaden Shelton, and Rikki Nefzger

Bill was friend to everyone. He never met a person he didn’t want to have a conversation with. He was honest and he cared deeply for those around him.