Michael Keller

Michael Joseph Keller (“Mike”), age 78, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, died on December 25, 2025, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

Mike was born on October 5, 1947 in Wabasha, Minnesota to James & Luella (Anez) Keller. He was raised on the family farm in Rollingstone, Minnesota alongside his five siblings. He graduated from Cotter High School in Winona in 1965. After high school, he attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis before entering the workforce.

In 1967, Mike began a lifelong career with Greyhound, working as an information and ticket agent as well as a baggage and express clerk. In 1986, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he owned and managed the Greyhound bus terminal. He later relocated to La Crosse in 1992, where he continued his work with Greyhound for many years before retiring in 2001.

Throughout his life, Mike had a wide variety interests. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, photography, playing cards, discussing investments and the stock market, traveling, waxing his car, spending time with family and friends, enjoying an occasional cigar, soaking up the sun, and last but not least, weightlifting. Weightlifting was a passion that helped keep him strong throughout his life, even as he faced the many challenges of living with multiple sclerosis.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Natalie (Tim) Smith of Savage, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Taylor Smith of Savage, Minnesota, and Jason Smith (fiancée Emilee Mason) of Shakopee, Minnesota; his two sisters, Mary Krage of Winona, Minnesota, and Anita Hamm of Anaconda, Montana; and many nieces & nephews. He is also survived by his former wives, Sharon Elliasen & Marie Feidt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Senator James R. Sr. and Luella Keller of Winona, Minnesota; his sisters, Senator Patricia Kronebusch and Carol Joyce of Winona, Minnesota; and his brother, James R. Keller Jr. of Bloomington, Minnesota.

Friends and family are welcome to join us at Hoff Celebration of Life Center (3480 Service Drive Goodview, MN 55987) on Saturday, January 17, 2026. A ceremony of shared memories will begin at 11:00 a.m., with lunch to follow. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. All are encouraged to share favorite stories and memories. Following lunch, we will proceed to Holy Trinity Cemetery in Rollingstone, Minnesota for the burial.

If you are unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be available via live stream. To view the live stream click here.

Memorials may be directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. www.nationalmssociety.org