Name: Visitation for Richard Keller
Start: 2017-01-12T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-01-13T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Kurtz Memorial Chapel - Frankfort

70, of Frankfort, passed away Monday, January 9, 2017 at Silver Cross Hospital. Richard was born in LaGrange, IL to the late Edward and Marion (nee Fluke) Keller. Beloved husband of Susan (nee Gouwens); loving father of Suzanne (Tony) Kost, Amanda (Chad) Ross, Kristi (Tony) DiGanci, and Wendy (John) Lindemulder; cherished Papa of Andrew and Mady Ross, Benjamin DiGanci, Paige, Kaitlin, Nathan and Morgan Lindemulder; dear brother of Karen (late Dan) Kilcoyne and the late Ed Keller; special uncle of Dan and Joey Kilcoyne. Richard was a U.S. Army Veteran. He was retired from Thornridge High School in Dolton, where he started as a History teacher, was Athletic Director, Vice Principal and eventually Principal. The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Thursday, January 12, 2017 from 2pm - 7pm. On Friday, January 13, 2017 everyone will meet at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church 2640 Park Drive, Flossmoor, IL 60422 for an 11:00am Funeral Service. Interment Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Frankfort. www.kurtzmemorialchapel or 815-806-2225 for info.

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Published by SouthtownStar on Jan. 11, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Keller

52 Entries

Tami Slager

October 9, 2017

I didn't know Dick by name (only recently finding out through a neighbor) but he would walk by our house daily for as long as I can remember. Always a friendly hello and kind demeanor. He would take the time to visit with everyone's pets. My dog Lucy adored Dick, she would go crazy with excitement every time he walked up. I haven't seen Mr. Keller in months and was hoping he had maybe just moved away but was saddened to learn he had passed. His kindness and compassion was evident through his actions. My sincere condolences to the Keller family.

Amy Zickuhr

March 30, 2017

My heart dropped when I heard of the passing of Dick Keller. I was hired at Thornridge High School by him in 1997. He was, without a doubt, the best person and leader to work for. He was a true "people person". He was always smiling, happy and did his job with a positive attitude. I will always remember him to be the first principal I ever worked for, and the best. My deepest sympathy to the family of Dick Keller. He was one of the "good guys".

Mike Walker

January 28, 2017

A mentor for me in high school. What a great person and educator.

Lee Talley

January 28, 2017

I'm sure I was one of the many shocked and saddened by Dick's sudden passing. My condolences to his wife, children, family and friends.

Dick was one of the people who hired me at Thornridge back in 1990. I will never forget how funny he was, but mostly his kindness. He always treated everyone with so much kindness.

More than that, Dick provided so much guidance and mentoring, allowing me to improve on my failures and soar high with my successes. I learned so much from this man. Best of all, Dick was a man of people. The kids loved him...and so did those who worked with him. If you were feeling a little down or frustrated, a few minutes of a "Dick Keller pep talk" and life was good again.

One never knows why God finally calls a person home, but we can all take solace that he is in a better place. Think of the good times spend with him. Smile and laugh because that's what he would want. And lastly, cherish the time spent with this lovely man. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of reflection. All my best.

Yvonne Nesbitt

January 20, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Keller was my principal at TR and a wonderful person. God bless him and your family.

Laura Castellano (nee Voss)

January 15, 2017

I was a student at Thornridge 72-76 and Mr Keller was my teacher but the most memorable moment was when he set me up with a date to the girl's club dance with Jason Frazier. I was initially mortified by the suggestion but then the young man said, "yeah, ok" the way a cool 16 y/o does. Still a fond memory.

Timothy Sweeney

January 12, 2017

Sara and I send our deepest sympathy to the family of Dick Keller. His wit, charm, genuineness, and intellect will be missed. I was so proud of his becoming Principal of TR. His agile mind kept everything in perspective. I always sensed that I had a brother near me when we worked together.

Nancy Ahlstedt

January 12, 2017

Aloha Keller - you will truly be missed - Mahalo for being the wonderful person you were.

John Jakala

January 12, 2017

My wife and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to the Keller Family. I have known Dick for several years and enjoyed playing racquetball with him at the health club. I especially enjoyed his stories about vacationing in Molokai. He will be missed.

Sean Boswell

January 12, 2017

While I was never a student in his class, he was always very genuine and just a really cool guy.
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to his friends and family for the loss of a man who affected the lives of future generations so thoughtfully.

He will be sorely missed.

Steve juveland

January 12, 2017

God Bless you Richard "Dick" Keller!

Mark Cracco

January 12, 2017

Sorry to lose a great teacher. Mr Keller will be missed.

Jill Martin (Jankus)

January 12, 2017

He was by far my favorite teacher!!! Always had a smile on his face and really respected the kids he taught, which in turn we showed him our respect. His class was always fun filled. I recently met him again in Frankfort and he remembered me like it was yesterday in his class. RIP Mr. Keller

DJ HALICKY

January 12, 2017

I am very proud to have known Mr. Keller. This man was an amazing teacher. I was lucky enough to work for the school later on in the theater department and witness him in his administration years. Fast forward to recent times where I was able to befriend his daughters. I know that he was proud of who they became and their accomplishments. Much love, light, peace and healing to the family. You have a great support system in place with friends and family.

Guy Vreeman

January 12, 2017

Mr. Keller was a kind and gracious man who shared his desire for every student to succeed equally. My condolences to the family. We are praying for peace and healing for you.

Barb (Norris) Coates

January 12, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Keller family. Mr. Keller was my History teacher. He was an excellent educator and a real connection to his students. I remember his wit, humor, and reassuring smile.

Nia Andrews

January 12, 2017

Mr. Keller was a great principal. My condolences to his family and friends.

Dave & Connie Trevarthan

January 11, 2017

Condolences to the entire family on your loss. Dick was a very special man.

Kimberly Nylen

January 10, 2017

Mr. Keller was such a wonderful man to work for. He was a consummate professional, great leader, and charismatic colleague. He hired me as a new teacher at Thornridge in 1998, and I could not have asked for a better man to work for and with. Please know how highly I thought of him, and what an influence he had on me. I offer you my deepest condolences.

Barbara Gaynor

January 10, 2017

Dick was a terrific administrator. He let us do our jobs. Dick was also a great guy
who was easy to work for, friendly, and professional.
My condolences on your loss. He will truly be missed.

Lori Wroblewski

January 11, 2017

I am so sorry to hear that Mr Keller has passed away. Please accept my condolences. He was my History teacher at Thornridge HS. He was funny and always had a smile on his face.

Eileen Orgo

January 11, 2017

So sorry I was friends with Dick during my thorn ridge days but we lost touch when he moved to hawaii

Pat Thompson

January 11, 2017

My children all went to TR and have good memories of time spent with Mr. Keller. I was a secretary at TT and also have fond memories. He was a gentleman and a fine administrator. Peace be with his family.

Rev. Kenneth Fleck

January 11, 2017

Dick was one of the members of our racquetball group for many years. I am sorry I cannot be with you for his services as I am on vacation with a group of priests. I will keep him and you his family in my prayers

Jill Isaacson

January 11, 2017

Class of "78" I enjoyed his class very much. Became one of his student assistant during my study hall. Many found memories.

Jill Isaacson

January 11, 2017

A great teacher who inspired many. May you Rest In Peace now

Joanne Collins

January 11, 2017

I was so sad to hear of Mr. Keller's passing. My sincere sympathies to his family. As others have mentioned, Mr. Keller always had a smile, and it was a smile that lit up his entire face. His sharp wit made others smile, as well. He will be missed.

Beth Calhoon

January 11, 2017

Sorry to hear the news. R I P, Dick
Blessings to all the family.

Dominik Dubravec

January 11, 2017

Our entire office would like to send our condolences to the Keller family. Richard was a wonderful person and always a pleasure to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dr. Dubravec & staff

Tony Tedeschi

January 11, 2017

Rest in peace Mr Keller, Enjoyed having you as my teacher at Thornridge. Class of 87

MARLA STEELE-GRICE

January 11, 2017

My prayers goes out to Dick Keller's famly. He was a wonderful principal at Thornridge High School. I worked under him as a secretary. He always had a smile on his face. He treated everyone with respect. He will truly be missed. May God Bless and R.I.P.

Beth Voll Oppenheim

January 11, 2017

Please accept my sincere sympathy. I had many teachers at Thornridge, but Mr. Keller was one that I never did forget. He really enjoyed his students and teaching. He made me love studying history.

Bill & Mimi Shireman

January 11, 2017

We will miss seeing Dick do his daily 3 pm walk rain or shine. He and Susan were always the first to donate to any cause for a neighbor when a collection was taken for a surgery or a family member loss. He will be missed.

Edythe Strater

January 11, 2017

My condolences to Dick's family. He was an absolutely great friend, fellow teacher and then assistant principal and principal at Thornridge H. S. I taught with him from 1975 until I retired in 1992. He always supported me as my assistant principal and I considered him a true friend and colleague.

Sharon (Blaszczyk) Cecil

January 11, 2017

Great teacher!! He mad History fun!! He will be missed!!!

Christine Comiskey

January 10, 2017

My condolences to the family. Mr. Keller was a wonderful man. I don't believe I ever seen him wothout a smile. He will be missed.

Louise Kuzminski

January 10, 2017

My condolences to Mr. Keller's family. He was my history teacher in 1975-1976 at Thornridge H.S. My fondest memory is a line he said to me & my friend Linda upon coming late to class dressed with crazy glasses on our face - When he asked us: "Do you think your cool - Do you think your where it's at?" Never forgot that line in all these years. It always makes me laugh & puts a smile on my face. God Bless a truly cool teacher of his time. R.I.P. Mr. Keller.

Louise Mathews

January 10, 2017

My favorite memory is a line he said to me & my friend coming in late to history class at Thornridge HS. " Do you think your cool - Do you think your where it's at"... I never forgot that line, & it always put a smile on my face & made me laugh. God bless Mr. Keller & may he rest in peace..

Alena Knezevic

January 10, 2017

Mr. Keller was loved by many of his students (and TRHS alumni).He will be missed. Prayers for strength and comfort to his family.

Bonnie Pignatiello Leer

January 10, 2017

I enjoyed having Mr. Keller as a teacher at Thornridge. I'm sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.

Bonnie Pignatiello Leer (Class of '83)

Alicia Smith

January 10, 2017

my heartfelt condolences to the family..touched with sadness but grateful for the many many lives he touched and helped tremendously over the years...Hard to find many good school leaders anymore...my Assistant Principal.... sending love and prayers....Alicia Yarbrough/Smith Thornridge High School ..Class of 1989!

Deb Barber

January 10, 2017

Was my favorite teacher... Really went the extra mile ..

David Sliepka

January 10, 2017

Such great memories of this great teacher. Some teachers are just instructors. Others like Mr. Keller impact your life. Thank you for your service.

Rita Reyes (Schramm)

January 10, 2017

I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to the entire family. Mr. Keller was an awesome teacher. I went to Thornridge (class of '82). With all the classes he taught over the years we know he could not remember us, but he sure made an impact on us. Now that's what I call a teacher of all time!! His memory will live on with us forever. ❤

Ellene Beard

January 10, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of the Passing of Dick Keller. As a former counselor at Thornton High School I had the great pleasure of working with Mr. Keller.My greatest pleasure came when he became a member of the District 205 Academic Enrichment Foundation where we worked diligently to raise funds for students and staff to participate in activities beyond the classroom. I have no doubt he will be greatly missed and I send pryers to the Keller family.

Cathleen Ciecierski

January 10, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. I went to Thornridge HS from 1983-1987 and played varsity softball, was on the gymnastics team and joined Varsity Club my senior year. I went to Loyola University Chicago and have been a Special Educator ever since. Mr. Keller was ever present at sporting events and all around TRHS and I will never forget his kindness, friendliness and smile of pride whenever I saw him. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Lisa Hernandez

January 10, 2017

RIP Mr Kellar..great teacher!

Lisa Hernandez

January 10, 2017

RIP Mr Kellar

Renee' Shirley (Plebanski)

January 10, 2017

Mr Keller was a great teacher, he was always involved in TR and well respected by many of us students. Sorry to hear of his passing, prayers to all his family
Student/athlete 1979-1983

Beth Farnesi-Olson

January 10, 2017

I remember Mr. Keller fondly from my time at Thornridge. My deepest condolences on your loss.

Class of '89

Cindy and John McKinnon

January 10, 2017

Fond memories of our dear friend Dick. Dick was best man at Cindy and Tony 's wedding and attended John and Cindy 's wedding, always maintaining an enduring friendship through the changes in our lives. As one of our best friends, colleague at Thornridge, principal, and great guy Dick's passing leaves a deep void. Our sincere condolences to you Susan and his family. We regret we are unable to share our sympathy in person due to long distance. Our prayers and thoughts extend to you and all of the many friends who loved Dick.

Jim Clark

January 10, 2017

Please accept my sincere sympathy. The Dick Keller I knew was fun loving, but knew when it was time to get serious. He loved Thornridge. It was a privilege to know him.

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