Richard Keller

Richard “The Dixter” Keller, designer, artist, and lifelong resident of Cincinnati, Ohio passed on the evening of Sun, June 22, 2025, at the age of 83. After five years of enduring a severe stroke with his usual strength and determination, he has left behind so many who loved his unique take on life.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Gretchen Keller (née Bachman), his children, Adam, Kirsten, Bron, Ned, and Britt, his grandchildren, Sanaa, Arwyn, and Ivan, and his little poodle buddy, Lilo. He welcomed to our family, Bill Patton, Simmone Demas, and Kim Sefchick, his children's partners, with a jovial, open heart.

Richard was born on August 20, 1941, the youngest of five, to Herman and Marie Keller (née Rahe). He graduated from St. Xavier High School, class of '59, and Central Art Academy, with a graphic design degree. On March 11, 1967, he married Gretchen, whom he met through his cousin, Gail Rahe.

He served in the army at Ft. Dix in New Jersey from 1967 to 1970 as a 2nd Lieutenant Public Information Officer.

He welcomed his five children starting March 13, 1969.

After enjoying four years in Philadelphia, working for International Design Organization (IDO), and accepting the prestigious Graphis International Award, he and his business partner struck it out on their own, forming Keller/Rose.

After that success, the major decision was made to return to his hometown. He formed KellerGraf, a design studio.

He loved Cincinnati, its history, its architecture, its landscape. He instilled his love of design and art in his children, by taking them to Eden Park and the art museum, and always emphasizing a creative "do-it-yourself" mentality.

Richard was a devoted husband and father. He took great delight in creating for his family, whether it was through carpentry, sculptures, hand-made gifts, caricatures, and paintings. He was always sketching.

He was known for his "interesting" sense of humor. He was an avid tennis ("The Boyz of Summer") and soccer player (Go Buffaloes!"). The strong friendships formed from these activities enriched his life, and he enjoyed every minute of it.

Dixter drank martinis, smoked cigars, and waxed his handlebar mustache.

He enjoyed the Smokey Mountains and taking his family to Indian Lake every summer, sharing his happy childhood memories there. At home, he loved painting for hours while listening to jazz and classical music.

Friends and family cherish his illustrated or painted gifts of their portraits and homes.

He was a character. There were nicknames:

"Lightnin Fritz Dortmunder"(or just Lightnin'), "The Dixter", "Dickles", "Popi"(as his children and grandchildren affectionately called him), and perhaps a few that can't be mentioned. He embraced them all.

He was the go-to design expert in the College Hill business community for decades. He was "High on College Hill".

He will be deeply missed by his ever-lovin' wife, friends and family.

The visitation begins at 10 am on July 8 at St. Clare Church, 1443 Cedar Avenue, 45224. Followed by the mass at 11:00 am, officiated by Father George. Please join us afterward for The Celebration of Life.