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Funeral services will take place on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 2:00 PM (Mountain).

Fine Arts Gym
Philip, South Dakota

Triangle Ranch Family Cemetery
Rural Philip, South Dakota
A visitation will be 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.



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In memory of

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 will be 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 will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 10, at the Fine Arts Gymnasium in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Burial will follow at the Triangle Ranch Family Cemetery.

Donations in Kenny's honor can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org


Open the Memorial Folder


VISITATION
Saturday, October 9, 2021
5-6:30 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

PRAYER SERVICE
Saturday, October 9, 2021 - 6:30 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

OES SERVICE
Saturday, October 9, 2021 - 7 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Sunday, October 10, 2021 - 2:00 p.m.
Fine Arts Gym
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
Father George Parmeter

MUSIC
Marilyn Seymour - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
"In The Garden" - "Just a Closer Walk to Thee"
James Nelson and Ashley Rowles - Vocalists
"Go Light Your World"

USHERS
Garrett Rowles - Mark Keinast - Austin Ireland
Kadyn Westergren - Dakoda Stevens
Tanner Marone - Wayne Nelson - Dennis Eliason

PALLBEARERS
Rob Ireland - Marty Stephanson - Troy Ireland
Richard Ireland - Ray Ireland - Dan Holso
Todd Ireland - Brian Ireland - Terry Ireland

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Kenny's Nieces, Great-Nieces, and Great-Nephews

INTERMENT
Triangle Ranch Family Cemetery
Rural Philip, South Dakota

  • Kenny was a terrific neighbor and great person. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a pleasure to talk to about current events. As a hard worker he accomplished so much. He will be missed. ~ Edward Kodet Belvidere / Minneapolis (10/18/2021)
  • Butler, KY ~ Thomas Costello 13299 Alexandria Pk (10/16/2021)
  • We always enjoyed our visits to the Triangle Ranch and our visits with Lyndy and Kenny. May you be comforted by God's presence during your time of loss and rejoice in the reunion that will some day be! ~ Kenton and Autumn Hofer Bridgewater, Sd (10/13/2021)
  • To a father whom was always there for me weather it was working on a project or playing cards or even driving along the creek hunting while eating turtle cookies and drinking coffee ,I will always love you and miss you. Forever your loving son Vincent H. Ireland ~ Vincent H. Ireland Rapid city (10/13/2021)
  • I will miss my friend. Rest In Peace Kenny. ~ Dale Richardson St. Onge S. Dak (10/13/2021)
  • Lyndy and Family, thoughts and prayers going your way. ~ Hank Reinsch Flower Mound, Texas (10/11/2021)
  • I am so saddened by this news. I watched via FB, over time, how Kenny and Lyndy and their family made so many happy memories. I have a lot of good memories during the short times I spent with this family, mainly babysitting, but Kenny always had a smile on his face. He truly will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family he left behind. ~ Roberta Coller Kendall, WI (10/10/2021)
  • I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Kenny! We were out there in August and stayed at the Tri Angel for a few days! Was a quite a visit for me. I learn a lot setting there visiting with Kenny, things I didn't know B4. That trip will be charished! Condolences to Lyndy and the family! RIP Kenny Ireland! You are missed! ~ Charles Jobgen Clontarf (10/10/2021)
  • Dear Lyndy, Vint, and Nicki
    I was saddened to hear that Kenny
    had lost his final, mortal battle. Its
    suddeness was totally unexpected -- by
    me at any rate.
    Having endured a similar loss not
    so long ago, I can empathize with what
    you are all going through. The hole
    in your heart that death leaves behind
    can never be completely eradicated, it
    will ever so slowly dissipate.
    Love to you all,
    Virgil

     ~ Virgil V. Williams Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (10/9/2021)
  • My sympathy and prayers to Lyndy and the family. He was a wonderful and caring man. He will be missed. ~ Kay Foland Rapid City (10/9/2021)
  • My heart and prayers go out to the Irelands, I have been neighbors with Vince and Amy, Ashley and Austin for many many years. Our families became a family. I'm very sorry for all of your families Loss.
    Love you all. Stay strong hes in a better place and no more suffering.     ~ Chase Cramer Rapid City, SD (10/8/2021)
  • So sorry for your loss. Kenny enjoyed giving me a bad time at the hardware store. It was always fun visiting with him He will be missed. ~ Rose Luedeman Wall (10/7/2021)
  • Lyndy and family, remembering Kenny and the many good visits and cups of coffee at the Triangle Ranch. Always appreciated his encouragement on our musical journey, and his humor when our songs were a little sour. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler Philip, SD (10/7/2021)
  • So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to the family. ~ Julie McLaughlin Midland, SD (10/7/2021)
  • I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort and lots of happy memories. ~ Kathy Anamosa, IA (10/6/2021)
  • Lyndy and family so sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. We sure enjoyed Kenny's stories and friendship through the years Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Steve, Terry, Brian, Brad & Dustin Sioux Falls SD (10/6/2021)
  • Nicki and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers being sent. ~ Mary Jo Jones Midland. SD (10/6/2021)
  • We are truly sorry for your loss. Kenny will be missed and forever remembered by many. ~ Steve & Tammie Reinsch Corinth, TX (10/6/2021)
  • Kenny was a very special guy, he always had a smile on his face. We enjoyed our visits with him. Hold on to all the memories. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, S.D. (10/6/2021)
  • ~ Jerry and Carol Tucker 112 Stillwater Road Chula, Georgia 31733 (10/5/2021)
  • Lyndy and family. Sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. Thoughts and Prayers. ~ Tim and Peggy Lester Austin, TX (10/5/2021)
  • So sorry to hear the loss of Kenny! I really enjoyed the visits with Kenny and was happy for him last year when he harvested his buck!! Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers Lyndi and family!! ~ Greg Miller Bruce ,SD (10/5/2021)
  • I am so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to the families. I wish you comfort and strength as you remember this life. Sending you my deepest condolences. ~ Mary Beth Johnson Hill City, SD (10/5/2021)
  • I am so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers to you. ~ Bonnie Fitzgerald Memphis (10/5/2021)
  • So sorry to hear about Kenny. He had one of the biggest heats and gave so much of himself to everyone he knew. That huge, over the top personality and always a hug! ~ Coleen Kayras Sturgis (10/5/2021)
  • Lyndy, so sorry for your loss. Kenny was a valiant fighter to the end. I have many wonderful memories of our friendship through Eastern Star. Kenny was such a great person and happy and cheerful and will be missed by so many. OES love, Margare Sager ~ Margaret Sager 19660 Mossing Lane, Speafish, SD 57783 (10/5/2021)
  • Lyndy and family, our deepest sympathy for you all at this time. Let God hold you all in His hands and give you strength and peace. Death takes the body. God takes the soul. Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again. ~ Kenny and Robin Stoner Murdo, SD (10/5/2021)
  • Condolences to Lyndee and other relatives so sorry to hear this sad news and prayers and love from the Dennis Family ~ Ruvonne Dennis Rapid City SD (10/5/2021)
  • Our deepest sympathies and prayers for you Lindy, Nicki and Vint. Kenny will long be remembered for his gentle kindness and his wonderful smile. We are so sorry for your loss. ~ Barbara and Morris Jones Midland (10/5/2021)
  • Our thoughts and prayers to you. May memories help ease the pain. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (10/5/2021)
  • Sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. Lindy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Andrew Eisenbraun Rapid City (10/4/2021)
  • For over a decade and a half I've had the privilege of knowing this fine cowboy, and my wife, Kathleen, and I will miss him greatly. A man of humor, caring, and 'smarts' - he and I hit it off when we first met years ago, as if we had been friends for centuries. I know that Triangle Ranch guests reveled in meeting him, too, as he shared his jokes and stories around the dining room table. Those are memories I will never lose, and dearly, dearly miss. Thank you, Kenny - and Lindy - for being our main attraction between Kansas City & Montana for so many years, and making us always feel a part of your family. We feel your loss.
    Kathleen & Eric Berndt     ~ Eric R. Berndt Overland Park (10/4/2021)
  • Lyndie, Vint and Nicki we are so saddened to hear this news. Kenny was such a gentle, caring and family man. Enjoyed our years as neighbors, friends, co-workers and family ties. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Glen and Rose Bennett Philip SD (10/4/2021)
  • RIP our Worthy Patron. You were very special to us! ~ Linda Stilwell Kadoka (10/4/2021)