Keith G. Pommer Obituary

Keith Pommer, 77, of Sioux Falls, SD passed on to rodeo heaven on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at the Dougherty Hospice.

Keith's celebration of life will be held Thursday, April 14 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm with a time of sharing at 1:00 pm at Miller Funeral Home-Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, with an interment ceremony at 3:00 pm at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.

Keith Gerald Pommer was born April 17, 1944 in Watertown, SD, to Clarence and Irene (Olson) Pommer. He attended Castlewood High School until 1962. He knew then he was to live the cowboy life. He rodeoed, and worked around the country as a ranch hand and on horse race tracks, until he joined the Army and was stationed in Vicenza, Italy from 1965-1967.

While in Italy, he met Odilla Menichelli. The two were married and were blessed with a daughter, Julie Pommer in 1967, in Huron, SD.

Keith was a professional rodeo cowboy and when the horses got stronger and the ground felt harder (Kyle Evans' song to him), he focused on The Saddle Shop and made harnesses, fixed saddles and then evolved into fixing, selling, and hoarding TONS of leather sewing machines and tools. It took 12 hours and three auction rings to get rid of this lifetime collection! He even tried to have a friend buy back his stuff!

Keith took dancing lessons in hopes to be popular with the ladies. He would go dancing on weekends and even taught the staff in memory care, some of his smooth moves. Keith also loved to attend auctions to find treasures, but also for the road trip and to visit his wonderful friends all around the country. Keith loved to tease kids and was a huge animal lover.

Keith is survived by his daughter Julie Pommer; long awaited grand-daughter, Xiomara Pommer; his siblings, Cheryl Olson, Joan (Jim) McElhaney, David (Cindy) Pommer, Peggy Ogan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you plant a tree, or donate to an organization to benefit veterans.

Keith's celebration of life will be held Thursday, April 14 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm with a time of sharing at 1:00 pm at Miller Funeral Home-Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, with an interment ceremony at 3:00 pm at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.