Mark Michael Kieffer, 74, Rapid City, passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2020. He was born to Ralph W. and Alice (Bretschneider) Kieffer on July 11, 1946 in Eugene, Oregon. In 1948, the family moved to the Kieffer Ranch in Rockerville, South Dakota. He graduated from Rapid City High School in 1964 and continued his education in Brookings at South Dakota State University. Mark graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and Masters degree in Microbiology in 1973. While in Brookings, he met his future wife, Pamela Robbins. they were married on December 20, 1969.

Mark moved back to the Black Hills in 1978 with his wife and two daughters, Meagan and Betina, to continue their family life on the ranch. While ranching, he taught animal science at National College in Rapid City. Mark was more than a rancher. He was a lifelong conservationist. His love for the land and his love for wildlife went hand in hand, believing that good conservation practices on farms and ranches make excellent wildlife habitat.

Mark had many accomplishments: he was awarded Rangeman of the Year in 2000; Producer of the Year in 2002; a Conservation Service award in 2006; the Ducks Unlimited Wildlife Habitat award in 2015 and the Isaac Walton Excellence in Range Management in 2016. Mark served on Pennington County Conservation District, 2001-2020, Water Conservation District, 2000-2020, and Weed and Pest Board, 2003-2014.

Perhaps Mark\'s greatest accomplishment was his family. He was a generous man with a strong work ethic, always looking forward. There was nothing that both family and friends would not do for him, and there was nothing that he would not do for us. Mark has shared his life, his land and love for the land with son many people.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Alice E. Kieffer, his father Ralph W. Kieffer and one daughter Betina K. Basso. He is survived by his wife Pam Kieffer, his daughter Meagan Kieffer, his sister Barbara Kieffer Eckert, his grandchildren Madeline and Elliot Basso, and Elias and Adeline Briggs.