Obituary: Kenneth McIlravy

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In memory of

Kenneth McIlravy

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Monday, July 1, 2024 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 78

Kenneth Charles McIlravy was born April 19, 1946 in Kadoka, South Dakota to Irene and Arthur Ray McIlravy (Mac). Kenneth grew up in Phillip, South Dakota, where he attended school through the 12th grade. After high school he attended the University of South Dakota where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in pre-law. After college, he returned to Philip where he made his home.

In 1968 Kenneth was united in marriage to Linda Sorensen where they made their home on the family ranch north of Philip. From this union four children were born: Arthur, Christi, Clayton, and Lincoln. Then followed 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Kenneth had a quick wit and loved visiting with friends and neighbors. He enjoyed gambling, wheeling and dealing cars, and watching his children and grandchildren’s activities, but above all he loved God and his family. Kenneth will be missed dearly.

Survivors include his wife Linda; four children Arthur (Tanya) McIlravy of Philip; Christi (Troy) Keffeler of Sturgis; Clayton (Sandra) McIlravy of Sioux Falls, and Lincoln (Lisa) McIlravy of Solon, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Arthur “Mac” and Irene (Brech) McIlravy.

Public visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Private family services will be held.

PUBLIC VISITATION
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 - 5-7 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

Private family services will be held.

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So sorry to here about Kenny, prayers for all ~ Joann Stark 1608 F Street Apt 103 (7/12/2024)
Linda and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and strength during this difficult time. ~ Deb Burns Wendt Sultan, WA (7/10/2024)
We enjoyed seeing Kenny at all the wrestling matches throughout the years that our son Lance and Lincoln wrestled together. Also we both followed our granddaughters in gymnastics, which was another learning sport. He will be missed by many. Hold on to all those memories. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (7/9/2024)
Sympathy and prayers for Kenny's family and friends. ~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City (7/8/2024)
I have pondered for words to express my sympathy in Kenny's passing since "sorry" didn't say what I wanted said. The privilege I have had with meeting Kenny and his family through my work place had been just that, a privilege! May comfort find each of you as life goes on without this great man. My prayers are with all of ya! ~ Jeri Olson Belle Fourche (7/6/2024)
We are so sorry for your loss ~ Drew and Brianna Haffner Blackhawk SD (7/5/2024)
So sorry for your loss. ~ Sheryl Sether Hot Springs (7/4/2024)
Having enjoyed Kenny and his family friendship, I will truly miss conversations that his nephew Robert ,Kenny and I have had. MY deepest sympathy and sorrow in Kennys passing. Truly, he will be missed. ~ John Ptak Central City, SD (7/4/2024)
Linda & Family, Our thoughts and Prayers. Kenny will be missed. He was a friend and good neighbor. God Bless. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St (7/4/2024)
We would like to send you all of our love, thoughts and prayers. I will always be thankful for the kindness that Kenneth showed me as a young boy each summer by generously seeing to it that I got to experience South Dakota which I was missing in California. I will also cherish the wonderful conversations I had with Kenneth in recent years. He was extremely generous with his time and wisdom. Best to you all. ~ Brent, Sonia, and Sophie Urban Colorado Springs, CO (7/3/2024)