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Kurt Keller Obituary
Des Moines
Kurt Keller, 65, was born April 11, 1948 in Des Moines, to Milton and Jean Keller. He passed away November 4, 2013 at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Kurt graduated from East High School in 1967 and attended Drake University where he received a bachelor's degree in both mathematics and music. Kurt proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. As a 45 year member, Kurt was one of three people in the Midwest region certified to work on Nuclear Power Houses as a high pressure welder for the Plumber and Steamfitters Union Local 33. In 2003, he retired from Taylor Industries. Kurt had a passion for music, playing the bass and lead guitar. Throughout his career in music he was a member of many bands including The Princemen, Jerry Reno and the Electric Company, The Train, Travelin', and most recently, Lucky Jax. Kurt was inducted into the Iowa Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
Kurt is survived by his loving wife, Debra; children, Christopher Keller, Jammie Keller, Windy Keller, Joseph Keller, Andy (Kerri) Minor; grandsons, Dawson and Sawyer Minor; sister, Debbie (Jerry) Starrett; his loving dog, Topper; and many other family and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Matthew Keller; and brother, Van Keller.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2013, at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Berwick Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank Lutheran Hospital, Dr. Hiatt and Dr. Hickland and their staff, for the care given to Kurt.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kurt Keller
Jeri Hodson
October 31, 2022
CONTINUing To keeping you in my thoughts and Prayers
Jeri Hodson
October 31, 2021
Keeping you in my thoughts and Prayers Hugs
Dianna Diehm
November 1, 2020
I always think of Kurt when I hear Summertime. He was such a fun, talented guy. He was a good friend of my family & is missed.
Jeri Hodson
October 31, 2020
Awesome guy and great musician. Gone way to soon but left precious memories.
Rick Wynant
November 4, 2019
On this anniversary of Kurt's passing, I wanted to say that Kurt was like a big brother to me. He got me into the group, The Princemen, and I was 14 years old at the time. He was a fun guy to be around, and a great musical talent. I will always remember the fun times we had, making the 45 record at IGL studios, and then seeing him again years later when the Princemen were inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Dan Gutenkauf
November 19, 2013
It was a tremendous shock to hear of Kurt's passing. Kurt was a musical role model for both me and my brother Dennis. We were three years younger, and Kurt kind of took us under his wing. I have fond memories of our Dad driving us to Kurt's house to hear "The Princemen" rehearse in his basement. Kurt had a magical combination of talent, showmanship, passion, and humor. His singing and guitar playing was always inspired and soulful. He always treated us with courtesy and respect. He gave freely of his talents as a teacher and as a performer. I am so glad that Dennis and I got a chance to reconnect with Kurt at "Nitefall on the River" a few years ago, along with former "Princemen" Rick Wynant and Dave Merrill. Kurt was a true prince of a man. He will be sorely missed and always loved. My old 45 rpm copy of "Love is a Beautiful Thing" by the Princemen is a treasured memory of Kurt. He truly deserved his place in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rest in peace, dear friend. Our deepest sympathy to Deb and the family.
Sharon Weaver
November 8, 2013
Deb, so sorry to hear about Kurt, always remember the good time we had listening to him sing and play his guitar. Seems so long ago we worked together at Tones. My prayers are with you and your family.
Bev Zinzer
November 8, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear about Kurt my prayers go out to his family as i'm sure he will be greatly missed by all of you.
Anita Geisler
November 8, 2013
Deb and Family, I don't know if you will remember me by name, Anita. But I have known Kurt since Traders days, actually nights{many}. I am Denny Hickeys niece. I was so sad to see this in the paper. No one has ever sang Summertime like Kurt. I remember that well since I was 17yrs old and going to Traders with Denny almost every weekend. My prayers are with you. I will miss Kurt alot.
Anita
Dianna Diehm
November 8, 2013
So saddened to hear of Kurts passing. Our family & friends spent many hours listening & dancing to Kurts wonderful talent. He & THE TRAIN played at my sons wedding reception back in 1977. They helped make it a really great reception. It was such a thrill to hear him sing "SUMMER TIME". He was a very loved guy.
Dianna Diehm
November 8, 2013
So saddened to hear of Kurts passing .Our family & friends enjoyed many hours of his wonderful talent at Traders & other places. In 1977 he & the "Train" played for my son's wedding reception. My favorite of all of his songs was 'SUMMER TIME'. HE WAS SUCH A GREAT GUY. We will all miss him.
Shellie (Diehm) Treanor
November 8, 2013
I think I first met Kurt when I was quite young--with my family at Traders Lounge. Loved that atmosphere, feeling 'grown-up' dancing with the grown ups. Kurt remained close to many of my family members for years. It is so hard to lose our loved ones, and to be unselfish in the process. Heaven has a new talent. Blessings and best memories to his family.
Jim Kerr
November 8, 2013
Deb, We are very sorry for your loss. Kurt was a great guy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kristy, myself and the employees of advanced electric send our sincere condolences. He will be missed by us all.
Alan and Betty Cooney
November 8, 2013
Deb,our thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this sad time!! Kurt will be missed by so many!!
Bill Youngquist
November 7, 2013
Here's to you Kurt. Save me a spot and with luck "we'll have a H... of a band" one more time. Deb, I was stunned. You have my sympathy.
Douglas Carter
November 7, 2013
kurt and I have been friends since we were cub scouts 52 years ago ,his mother was our den mother ,he was a fine man one of high moral fiber. my sympathy and prayers to his family
November 7, 2013
I first met Kurt at a mixer at Tech High in 1965 when he was playing with Jimmy Brown & the Rhythm Masters.
His singing, playing, and showmanship knocked me out!!! I took a few guitar lessons from him, and I was off & running. The Princemen were my favorite Des Moines band. I saw him in the 70's in Ankeny playing bass with Tony Shaw. Last time I saw him was in the summer of 2005. He still had the same upbeat personality that always came through in his music. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Kurt was a big influence on me. I have many fond memories of him, as I'm sure many others do. He was an amazing guy !!! Deepest sympathy to Deb and family. We will all miss him !!!
Dennis Gutenkauf
Janey Hooper
November 6, 2013
It seems like only a few years ago...I learned so much from watching, listening to Kurt give his music away to so many people..and then there was his warm smile and laughter. Thank you Kurt for your life lessons of music. That will forever be in my heart. My condolences to all his family. May God bless you and hold you tight!
Larry & Vicki Monaco
November 6, 2013
To Deb and Family
We are very sorry for your loss. Kurt will be greatly missed by everyone. I enjoyed so much playing in bands with him on and off through the years. In my book he was the best bass player and singer ever.
Truly yours,
Karla Hernandez
November 6, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Kurt's passing. It was only nine short months ago that I saw both of you at my Joey's visitation and funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Deb, and your family during this difficult time.
Barb Keller
November 6, 2013
Deb sorry to hear about Kurt. Now Mathews will have his father with him in heaven.
Pam and Dennis Larson
November 6, 2013
Debbie and family: So very sorry to hear about Kurt's death. I hope he and Randy have met up and are jamming.
GREGG CARPENTER
November 6, 2013
DID NOT KNOW KURT VERY LONG WAS A GREAT PERSON AND TALENT THE MUSIC FIELD HAS LOST A TRUE PLAYER
Our Trader's Lounge Band
Geri Reno-Ghiselin
November 6, 2013
I have great memories of working with Kurt in our band @ Trader's Lounge for many years in the 70's. Kurt was always happy and a great entertainer..so much talent! Blessings and prayers are with your family, Deb. I spoke with Kurt last year by phone and he was happy with his life! RIP
davey hodson
November 6, 2013
he was a very talented man dyas at the fair when him n the band would let the ol marshal George blades get up n sing with them are sum of the best times a my life, so sorry for your loss
Dave Merrill
November 6, 2013
Deb & family, Kurt & I go way back....and it was always FUN !!! we both loved the music & entertaining people & that bond created a lasting friendship. We will all miss him so much. My love thoughts & prayers to your family
November 6, 2013
Deb and Family please know our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We all enjoyed visiting with Kurt when he would bring your vehicles in for service. He will be dearly missed! Your Friends and Beneventi Chevrolet.
Jeri Hodson
November 6, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Please know we care and are sending our thoughts and Prayers to your family. Dave and Jeri Hodson
November 6, 2013
Deb, all of Kurt's friends at PMECI are sorry to hear of this loss. He was a fine musician. He will be missed.
Barbara Combs
Gene Doss
November 6, 2013
He will be truly missed by all of us in the Hold On band
Bruce Flesher
November 6, 2013
Sorry you left us brother. Sure did enjoy all the fun we had together over the years. You were a true class act and will be sorely missed.
Stan & Melissa Howard
November 6, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, You will be missed my friend, RIP
Don Chamberlain
November 6, 2013
Our love, prayers, and condolences to all Kurt's family members and friends. Joyce and I have known Kurt since his apprenticeship, was to several of his jams when we lived in the Des Moines area. Always an excellent friend and worker, don
Fellow brother and Local 33 member
Don Chamberlain
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