Keith Alan "Al" Kelts

February 16,1942 - February 4, 2021

Dr. Al Kelts (Keith Alan Kelts), age 78 from Rapid City, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. Al was born February 16,1942 in Norwich, NY. He was the only male child of Keith and Gladys (Wheeler) Kelts. After completing his MD/PhD, he held several academic appointments at University of Rochester NY, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Stanford University Medical School, and USD Medical school. While at USD Medical School he provided pediatric neurology with outreach to the entire state of South Dakota. He was the director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic. In 1981, he moved to Rapid City and was the founder of Black Hills Neurology, rehabilitation, and the sleep health center in Rapid City. During this time Al continued to be the medical director and chief of staff for Children’s Hospital & School for several years in Sioux Falls. Al was a member of the advisory board for Midwest Children’s Center. He provided care for children and adults suffering from neurological and neuromuscular diseases for over 30 years. Al brought in a variety of neurological services to expand programming for neuro-diagnostics and sleep medicine in the Black Hills. He was also instrumental in bringing LifeScape Speciality Children’s Hospital from Sioux Falls to Rapid City. Al has many other accomplishments within the medical community as well.

His passion outside of medicine was singing and being in the outdoors. He was an original member of Black Hills Blend barbershop quartet. He was also highly involved in the Shrine of Democracy Chorus. He loved camping, hiking, cross country skiing, and hunting.

Survivors include his wife, Sally of Rapid City; sons, Dr. Eric Kelts (Dr. Elizabeth), Major Dr. Gregory Kelts (Erin), Dr. Andrew Kelts (Dr. Kay); daughter, Amanda Raddatz (Rick); step son John Walter (Angie) as well as numerous grandchildren and one great grandchild; sisters Nancy Rice (Mary Lee Miller), Shari Kelts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Gail Gibson (Joseph), step daughter Michelle Colbath, grandson Jason Walter.