Keith M. Pechtl

Keith Myron Pechtl, 59, passed away on July 8, 2025. 

A private family service will be held. 

Keith Pechtl was born on July 18, 1965 to Robert and Jeanette (Messer) Pechtl of Richardton. He was the first of five children. His parents moved to Dickinson when Keith was two years old, where he grew up and went to school, graduating from Dickinson High School in 1983.

Keith was a dedicated guitarist, even though he didn’t read music. During high school and after, Keith co-founded several rock-and-roll cover bands that played throughout western North Dakota. He could be found practicing for hours in order to perfect his guitar solos, and he loved seeing others enjoying the music. He developed life-long friendships with his fellow musicians, including his brother Todd, Kyle Braaten, Roger Brown, David Wilkie, and Bo Roberts.

Keith lived and worked in Dickinson in a variety of jobs, from selling cars to selling advertising in The Dickinson Press. In 1987, Keith married Rhonda Schwindt. They divorced in 1992.

Keith was a perfectionist in all areas of his life, whether it was making music or taking trips on his motorcycles. At one point he crafted his own guitar, and frequently enjoyed wrenching on his motorcycles.

In the year 2000, Keith moved to Sioux Falls for a new adventure. He ultimately worked for JDS Industries for over a decade, moving up the ladder and remaining there until 2021. When COVID hit, he gave his stimulus checks away to his coworkers, saying that they needed it more than he did because they had families to take care of.

All relationships were important to Keith throughout his entire life. If you were a friend, it was forever, and he would help others in any way that he could. During his time in Sioux Falls, he would help his aunt, Delphine Messer, with her yard-work and visited her often. He also frequently visited with his former bandmate, Bo, and Bo's wife Renae, treasuring the many evenings and weekends at the Roberts’.

Upon his return to Bismarck in 2021, he was able to connect more with his parents and his nieces and nephews, who adored him, making sure to attend birthday and holiday celebrations as much as possible. He enjoyed giving them gifts and just spending time with them. He sought to bring great joy to all, and it made him happy to see others happy.

It was during his return to Bismarck that it became more evident that he was struggling with the effects of COVID isolation even years after it passed. In the end, the struggles became too much for him, and he ended his life. Those of us who knew Keith are heartbroken at his passing, and we miss him deeply.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please support a local crisis hotline in your area.