George F. Keller

GEORGE F. KELLER

July 3, 1943 - November 15, 2025 (Age 82)

George F. Keller, 82, of Hudson Lake, IN, passed away at Memorial Hospital on November 15, 2025.

George was born on July 3, 1943, in St. Joseph County, IN, as one of the 13 children of Joseph and Lucille Keller, and his childhood was spent working and playing with his brothers and sisters at their home and small farm north of New Carlisle, IN.

After graduating from New Carlisle High School, George married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis J. Shaum, and they made their home in Hudson Lake, IN, where they raised their 2 sons and enjoyed 46 years of marriage before Phyllis passed away on October 30, 2007.

George learned great mechanical skills over the years working at Wirecraft, as a welder at New York Blowers and in the mechanical maintenance department at the Carborundum Factory outside of New Carlisle where he ultimately was appointed as the head of that department. George retired early from Carborundum and purchased a full-service gas station and auto/motorcycle repair business in Hudson Lake, and which later expanded to selling used autos and motorcycles where many members of the community were able to purchase affordable transportation through his self-funded "Buy Here – Pay Here" program. In addition to running that full-time business, George and Phyllis purchased and operated a number of rental properties in the Hudson Lake area.

George was a long-time drag car and motorcycle racer who hand-built many Ford race cars and street performance cars with a particular focus on "more horsepower." George also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, taking cross-country motorcycle trips with Phyllis, taking his cars to various cruise and car show events, and attending classic muscle-car auctions. Above all, George greatly

enjoyed spending time with his family and the many great friends that he and Phyllis met over the years who often became adopted members of the family.

George is survived by 2 sons, Timothy G. Keller and Scott M. (Lori) Keller; 2 granddaughters, Brittany (Joseph) Brown and Alexandra (Daniel) Mockaitis; 3 grandsons, Chase Keller, Owen Keller and Wyatt Keller; 2 great grandchildren, 6 sisters and many nieces and nephews.

George's immediate family will conduct a private burial service, but all family members and friends are invited to an open-house Celebration of Life event that is being held in George's honor on November 25, 2025, at the Heston Hills Event Center located at 1933 E 800 N, LaPorte, IN 46350, which will be open from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm (CST).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be directed to the LaPorte County Animal Shelter.