Richard E. "Dick" Keller

Richard E. "Dick" Keller, 86, of Bankston, IA, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at UnityPoint Finley Hospital in Dubuque, surrounded by loved ones.
A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at St. Clement Church Hall, 24287 New Vienna Road in Bankston, IA, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held at a later date in the Lattnerville Cemetery, Graf, IA. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.
Dick was born July 14, 1939, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Ernest and Ethel (Gremmel) Keller. He served in the United States Army from 1957-1959 and married Mary Clayton on December 31, 1983, in Graf, IA.
Dick was a full-time farmer but also worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Tschiggfrie Excavating Co. until his retirement. He volunteered at the Dubuque Food Bank and was an active member of Holy Family Church, New Melleray. Dick and Mary were also the owners and operators of Dick's Tap on Highway 52.
He was an avid hunter and also enjoyed driving around visiting friends and family and taking in the scenery along the way. Dick was a hardworking, generous, and loving man, who found joy in operating equipment and helping his family and friends with any project that required moving dirt. He was also a great story teller, sharing memories and laughter with everyone around him. Many of his family and friends, affectionately referred to him as "Twigger"
Dick is survived by his children; Lu Keller of Dubuque, Rick (Sharon) Keller of Durango, Jeff (Jen) Keller of Dubuque, Lisa (Mike Moore) Kelly of Dubuque, and Connie (Rich) Freiburger of Sheboygan Falls, WI.; stepchildren Lisa (Jim) Petsche of Monona, IA., Denise (Clarence) Jesse of Payola, KS., Becky (Cliff) Schmitt of Mud Lake, Tim Clayton of Dubuque, Julie (Paul "Pork") Schueller of Durango, and Kevin (Cathy) Clayton of Mt. Hope, WI.; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; siblings, Ken Keller, and Butch (Karen) Keller; brother-in-law, Dave Schick; along with many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Keller, his parents, parents-in-law, Edward and Marcella Schick, stepson, Tom Clayton, daughter-in-law, Peggy Clayton, siblings: Donnie Sutter, John Dell, Shirley Merhl, and Judy Mueller, siblings-in-law: Ronnie Clayton, Charlotte Muehl and Eugene Schick.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.
The family would like to thank the Dr's and nurses at UnityPoint Finley, and our local VA, as well as the nurses and staff at Luther Manor for all their compassion and care of Dick.
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