Herb Keller

1933 - 2021

Herb Keller

Herb Keller passed away on Feb. 14, and our family is already missing his welcoming smile, his corny jokes, his encouragement, and unconditional love.

Herb was born to Elizabeth and Jacob (Jack) Keller in Dickinson, North Dakota on Oct. 28, 1933. He was the 4th of 12 children. When he was born, he almost didn't survive and was baptized right away. This was just the first of many challenges he faced with courage, hard work, and good humor throughout his life.

Herb attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from Dickinson High School while working multiple jobs to help support his family. In 1955, Herb moved to Billings, Montana. In 1957, he was in a life-threatening car accident and was hospitalized for 6 months. He was told he would never be able to walk, but once again, he beat the odds. He worked various jobs after that but eventually built a career with the US Postal Service as a mail carrier for 28 years.

He met his future bride, Donna Wilcox in 1959. They married and raised four sons and recently celebrated 61 years of marriage. Herb was very active in the community and loved serving in various ways throughout his life. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and served as the Grand Knight in 1971. He was a member of the Elks and he and Donna were charter members of St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

He was also a life-long bowler and loved the camaraderie and competitiveness throughout his entire life. He was so proud to have competed in many national bowling tournaments including three with all his sons on the bowling team.

Herb was the encourager and foundation for his family and large family meals, picnics, and holiday celebrations were so important to him. He loved hunting, fishing, and had great adventures camping. Anytime spent with his family was special, even if it was just playing a game of cribbage or two.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, sons, Scott (Marie), Fred (Cindy), Steve (Autumn), and Tom (Melanie). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was the last surviving member of his family of 12 siblings. We are sad at this great loss to our family, but we trust in our shared faith that we will be together again.

The public is invited to attend a funeral mass on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 10 am at St. Thomas The Apostle Church located at 2055 Woody Dr. Billings, MT. A burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. There will also be a social gathering at the Knights of Columbus located at 2216 Grand Ave. Billings, MT following the burial.

The funeral will be livestreamed at dahlfuneralchapel.com for those who cannot attend. Memorials may be sent to the Billings Food Bank or a charity of your choice.