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William Keller Obituary

William B. Keller, Loving husband, Father, Scout Leader,
Professional Engineer, Mentor and Friend. Wild Bill was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He graduated from Case Institute of Technology with a degree in Electrical Engineering. While working for NASA in Ohio he pioneered the development of the alternator for both aeronautical and automotive use and the fluorescent light. He married Rosemary Therese Hess on June 16, 1945. In 1957 with 7 children in tow, they moved to Phoenix, AZ. Within a few years the family grew to include 4 more children. He founded Keller Engineering, an electrical and consulting engineering firm. Wild Bill received numerous awards for his architectural lighting designs throughout the world. He was president of IES (Illuminating Engineering Society). He is a "Fellow" with the IEEE, a member of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Thomas Dad's Club and an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout along with 6 of his sons. He was given the Silver Beaver Award in scouting, which is the highest ranking honor awarded, for his 65 years of service. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Rosemary Therese Hess Keller; sons, William B. Jr., of Phoenix, Richard Joseph of Loveland, Co; Ronald Andrew of Phoenix; Margaret Keller Jacobson of Scottsdale; Robert Carl of New York; James Christopher of Tempe; Rosemary Therese Dwork of Phoenix; John Francis of Scottsdale; Charlene Keller of Phoenix; Virginia Keller LaJoie of Colorado Springs. Services will be at 11:00am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2132 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix, on Thursday, February 12. Visitation will be at Whitney & Murphy Arcadia Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, on Wednesday, February 11, from 5:00pm until 8:00 pm. Rosary service will be at 7:00p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle School, 2312 E Campbell Ave. Phoenix 85016 or to Boy Scouts Of America Grand Canyon Council, 2969 N. Greenfield Road, Phoenix, 85016.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Feb. 11, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Tom & Cathy Druckenbrod

March 4, 2004

Both Cathy and I were very fortunate to spend the better part of a week with you and Aunt Rose while attending several of the Illuminating Engineering Society Annual Conferences in Atlanta, St Louis, San Fran, and Toronto. I was always excited to attend those conferences because I was related to, probably the most well known member of the IES, Bill Keller. Uncle Bill, you will truly be missed. May God bless you and your Family.

Susan Keller

February 26, 2004

My favorite story about Wild Bill is when he and mom went to China in the summer of 1985. Later that year Dad had us all over to see the pictures he took while on vacation. We waited anxiously as he readied the slide show. As the pictures came up we realized ALL the pictures were of lighting fixtures, lamps, street lights and even the factory where they made light bulbs in China. Not a single picture of the Great Wall or anything resembling a tourist shot!

Jim and Jean Druckenbrod

February 20, 2004

Dear family of Uncle Bill, Jean and I and our kids recall all the wonderful hospitality that Uncle Bill and Aunt Rose always extended. Thank you for making the West come alive. Cousin Jim

John Mickel

February 11, 2004

God bless Bill a dear friend of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

virgo lajoie

February 11, 2004

we love you dad. thank you for all your love and support over all the years. your the best. love always mark, virgo, conrad, alex, thomas, elizabeth and baby and digby.

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