John F. Keller

John F. Keller
John F. Keller, 92, of New Tripoli, passed away April 28, 2009 in Jennys Country Manor, New Tripoli. He was the husband of the late Virginia K. (Phifer) Keller. Born in Fogelsville, he was a son of the late Rev. John F. and Clara A. (Gilbert) Keller. He graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1937, where he received a bachelor of arts degree and from the former Eckels Mortuary College of Temple University in 1938. John served his country honorably and faithfully as a member of the Navy during World War II. He owned the John F. Keller Funeral Home, from 1950 to 1986, at which time he sold it to his nephew, Gilbert and wife Grace. From 1986 to 1995, he was branch supervisor of Keller Funeral Homes Inc. at the New Tripoli location. John had an integral role in the development of New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, New Tripoli and has been a member since its beginning. Prior to that, he was the treasurer of the former Ebenezer Union Church for many years, where he served on the Lutheran church council and various committees. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 440 and the Royal Arch Chapter 292, both of Slatington. John was past president, secretary and chairman of numerous committees of the Ontelaunee Lions Club. He was also an active member of the Boy Scouts, Troop 89, New Tripoli. Survivors: Sons, David P. and his wife, Barbara, of Woodbridge, Va., Henry G. and his wife, Roma of Lansing, Kan.; two grandchildren, three great- grandchildren; niece, nephew. He was predeceased by brothers, Paul and Gilbert. Services: graveside, at the convenience of the family with the Rev. Scott W. Lingenfelter officiating. Arrangements by Keller Funeral Homes Inc., Fogelsville-New Tripoli. Contributions: No flowers please. May be made to New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 75, New Tripoli, 18066.