Leo Keller

Leo J. Keller, 80, Bismarck, died February 22, 2008, at a Strasburg care center.

       Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at Church of the Ascension in Bismarck with Rev. Marvin Klemmer officiating.  Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.

       Visitation will be held on Monday from 12:00 - 9:00 PM at Eastgate Funeral Service in Bismarck where a vigil service will be held at 6:30 PM.  Visitation will continue on Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church.

       Leo was born on February 28, 1927, in Strasburg, ND, the son of Joachim and Margaret (Heintz) Keller.  He was raised and educated at Strasburg.  Leo was involved in farming east of Strasburg for 32 years until his move to Bismarck in 1980.  He then worked for Ray's Lawn Service and was responsible for the planting of many trees.

       Leo married Luella Jochim on September 20, 1949, at Strasburg's Holy Trinity Catholic Church near Krassna.  They were members of Church of the Ascension in Bismarck.  Farming was always very dear to Leo's heart as he loved working the land.  He enjoyed visiting with friends over a cup of coffee, and especially cherished the times when the grandchildren came to visit.

       Leo was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by his family and many good friends.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Luella of Bismarck; his sons and daughters-in-law, Leo R. and Bert Keller, Wayne and Nellie Keller, all of Bismarck, Darnell Keller of Mandan, and Dan J. and Connie Keller of Dickinson; his daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Bob Gefre of Bismarck; his daughter-in-law, Rhonda Keller of Mandan; his grandsons, Daryl, Darin, Mitch, and Scott Keller, and Brian, Dion, and Lance Gefre; his granddaughters, Tammy, Stacy, Missy, Andrea, Mandy, and Kristie Keller; thirteen great-grandchildren; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose (John) Materi of Yakima, WA, and Mary Ann (DeLeo) Keller of Seattle, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

       He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David; his infant daughter, Mary Jane; his brothers, Pius and James Keller; and his sister, Elsie Meier.