John F Keller

Orfordville, WI – John Keller, age 67 passed away peacefully at the Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL on February 9th, 2024.
I was born in Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Ann Arbor Michigan. I went to college for a while at the University of Michigan. I then joined the Navy mostly because I didn't want to join the Army and be stuck in Vietnam's muddy foxholes. After completing training, I was sent to Vietnam with a tank landing ship and served there for a few years. I later served on a destroyer that was sent to Athens, Greece. While on that destroyer, I was part of an accident where a boiler tank exploded and I was injured by shrapnel. I was medically evacuated to Gibraltar, where they removed the shrapnel, including some from my eyes. A few other shipmates were also injured, thankfully nobody was killed. I then recovered from the accident and continued my services at a Navy repair station and eventually retired from the Navy.
One day, while walking down the street in 1986, I was hit by a car going approximately going 65 miles per hour. I was severely injured after having my body pinned against another cars bumper and I needed a number of surgeries over the years to rebuild my right leg. I was constantly in pain throughout a long period after the collision. The leg was eventually not salvageable and was amputated in 2012. I have since used a prosthetic.
I later worked as the lead engineer for a boiler room at a medical center in Maryland. After that, I took on a role in a Texas-based security company and worked in executive protection operations, mostly with the music industry. I particularly enjoyed the experience of touring with the band Phish from 2003-2007 while I helped them with security
I have two sons and a wife, I met my wife while in Janesville, where I had been stationed as a navy recruiter. I lived in Italy with my family for three years. I like to fish, hunt, and read. My son In Wisconsin works in construction and has been a great partner for hunting and fishing. My other son lives in Texas. I primarily rely on my wife and my local son for support.
John is survived in death by his wife Angelika Keller; his sons, Micheal (Tori) Keller and Sean Keller; Grandkids, Cole and Gavin, and John's brother Frank (Paula) Keller.
John is proceeded in death by his parents E John and Nancy Keller.
Per John's wishes no services will be held, cremation rites have been accorded.
The DL Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead is assisting the family with arrangements.