Bruce Keller

F. Bruce Keller, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, departed from this world surrounded by his loving family on December 13, 2023. He was born on November 7, 1940, in Preston, Idaho, to his parents, Fairen and Elene Keller and older sister Arlene. Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Sally, his children, Jason, Jill (Siddoway), Patrick, Lance, Jerald, and Jeffrey, and his 19 cherished grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Bruce's early years were immersed in the rural beauty of Preston, Idaho, where he spent summers working on family farms in Clifton and Mink Creek. His high school days in Preston marked the emergence of his beautiful bass singing voice, earning him lead roles in high school musical productions. Throughout his life, Bruce's love for singing found expression in quartets and community productions.

In his teenage years, Bruce enjoyed working alongside his mother at Preston’s Snooty Cat Cafe, perfecting his famous fried chicken and plate-sized pancakes that delighted many. His passion for the outdoors was kindled early, initially with his parents on hunting excursions for deer, pheasant and grouse in Strawberry Canyon and later with his own children, creating cherished memories of family adventures in the great outdoors. 

Bruce met his soulmate, Sally, the summer of 1964 at the Preston A&W drive-in, and their love story led them to marry on August 5, 1966, in the Logan Temple. After a brief period living and working in Lava Hot Springs, Bruce began his lifelong career with Utah Power and Light in the spring of 1967. He and Sally moved to Rexburg, Idaho, where they made lifelong friends and began building a family together. In 1984, they relocated to Smithfield, Utah, where they raised their six children and gathered another treasured collection of friends and memories.

Bruce and Sally had a remarkable ability to bring friends and family together, making everyone feel like part of their extended family.  Even in his later years, when communication became a challenge, everyone that interacted with Bruce could feel his love and care.

One of Bruce's greatest passions was his love for cars. He enjoyed every aspect, from acquiring and restoring them to meticulously polishing, and of course driving them. This passion became a beautiful way to bond with his sons, who inherited their father's love for automobiles. In retirement, Bruce also loved to explore the outdoors and hunt for old coins with his friends and a well-worn metal detector. Though he never struck it rich, he delighted in sharing his collection of coins with visitors and remained hopeful for that elusive treasure that would finally earn him a spot on Antiques Roadshow. 

Bruce and Sally embarked on countless adventures, traveling with friends and family from the shores of Mexico, California and Washington to the bustling streets of New York and Philadelphia. Bruce loved Mexico and the Spanish language. He served a mission there in 1960 and loved to share stories of that important time of his life. After his mission Bruce continued to find solace and strength in his faith. Bruce was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. As we say goodbye to Bruce, we take comfort in the knowledge that he is now reunited with his parents, grandparents and family members and that we too will see him again.

Bruce Keller's legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his memory will be cherished eternally. His warm, patient smile and his love for his family will be profoundly missed.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Wednesday, December 20th at the North Park 1st Ward (2550 North 400 East, North Logan), with viewing periods on Tuesday evening Dec. 19th from 6pm to 8pm and Wednesday morning at 10:30am. Bruce will be laid to rest at Smithfield City Cemetery.

Click the link below to join funeral livestream (passcode: Bruce)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83430729964?pwd=RTNRMDNOSjNNL1BXVDVhMXNFWGxYdz09

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at Legacy House and Maple Springs and to our friends and family for their love and support.