Danny M. Keller

1951 - 2025

Danny M. Keller

January 8, 1951 - November 24, 2025

Danny Michael Keller, 74, of Lincoln, passed away on November 24, 2025, of lung cancer from Agent Orange/Herbicide exposure while serving in Vietnam.

Danny was born on January 8, 1951, in Lincoln, NE, to Walter H. and Verneda (Schnell) Keller. He was the middle child of five boys and lived in Lincoln for a short time before the family moved to the Martell, Neb. area. He attended Sprague-Martell Community School and Crete High School.

On April 24, 1971, Danny married Beverly "Bev" Ann Douglas from Humboldt, Neb. They celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on April 24, 2025, and were blessed with two children, Keri Louise Keller and Kory Ray Keller, both of Lincoln. One week prior to their wedding, Danny received his draft papers for the Vietnam war. They lived in Denton and he worked for Deeter Foundry in Lincoln prior to his Basic Training at Ft Leonardwood, Mo. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1971-1974. During his time, he was stationed at Fort Eustis in Newport News, VA, for six months, after which he received his orders for Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he served at Pleiku Base and Nin-Wa base with the 361st Aerial Assault Company, 1st Aviation Brigade and the 60th Aviation Company Assault Helicopter crew. He was a Crew Chief on a Cobra Helicopter and Door Gunner on a Huey helicopter. When he returned from Vietnam, Danny was stationed at Fort Riley, Junction City, Kan. He was Honorably Discharged as a Specialist, 4th class. He and Bev still keep in touch with several of his Army buddies throughout the country.

After discharge, Bev and Danny lived in Martell as he worked as truck/heavy equipment mechanic for the Nebraska Dept of Roads in Lincoln. They moved to Lincoln in 1979 into the house where Bev still resides. He then started his career at Duncan Aviation and ultimately became a Master Sheet Metal Specialist, as well as fulfilling many other roles and duties in his tenure there. He retired in 2015, but continued working part time, eventually totaling over 36 years associated with Duncan, making many lifelong friends there.

Danny will be remembered as being involved in his children's activities in many ways, earning himself a 'Letter' for his help and support of the Lincoln High Marching Band, over the six years his kids were involved. He was a chaperone on the bus for every performance they did, accompanying the band to London in 1997, and acting as unofficial equipment support and mechanic when one of the buses broke down in Grand Island at the Harvest of Harmony parade. He loved hunting with his brother and son, along with his special hunting dogs he had over the years, Bandit, Ruger and Spanky. He developed a love for Classic Cars, buying and restoring a number of them in one stall of his small garage by himself. He attended a number of car shows from 2012 up until September of 2025, bringing home a good number of 1st place trophies for his efforts. Along the way, he was an original founder of the 'Lazy Car Club.' He and his son Kory restored a 1966 Chevy Pickup that was driven through Kory's early high school years. Danny also taught Keri how to fix and maintain things around the house that she bought. He taught his kids the meaning of hard work and helping out a neighbor or anyone in need. Danny was a 'Matter of Fact' guy and often spoke his mind, whether it was wanted or not.

Danny is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Bev; daughter, Keri Keller; son, Kory Keller and wife, Lindsey; granddaughter, Mykinzie Keller and fiancé, Mason Miigerl and grandson, Braedyn Keller, all of Lincoln; brothers, Larry Keller of Adams, Gene (Joyce) Keller of Sprague, and Randy (Pam) Keller of Toganoxie, KS; sisters-in-law, Carol (Keller) Bloodworth of Pickrell and Cathy (Douglas) Schroeder of Lincoln; brother-in-law, Bill (Brenda) Douglas of Humboldt; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Verneda Keller; in-laws, Ray and Joan Douglas (Humboldt); his brother, Roger Keller; brother-in-law, John Schroeder; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Keller.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at North American Martyrs Catholic Church, 1101 Isaac Dr, Lincoln, with Father Isaac Wahlmier officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the Nebraska Army Honor Guard. A luncheon will immediately follow services. Private family inurnment will be held at the Humboldt Cemetery in Humboldt, Neb. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to family's choice for a later designation.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com. Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 Nemaha St- Humboldt, NE 68376 (402) 862-2915.