Ronald Phillip Keller

Ronald Phillip Keller, of Sumner, Washington, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, at the age of 74, due to complications from diabetes. Ron was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend to many.

Ron was born on March 25, 1951, in Vinton, Iowa, to Harriett (MacDonald) and Raymond Keller. His father passed away when Ron was just three years old. Afterward, his mother remarried Max Phoenelt, and the family moved to California, where Harriett was from. Ron spent most of his youth growing up there.

He attended an all-boys Catholic school until his senior year, when he transferred to a public school in Richmond, California, a moment he fondly described as "life-changing," thanks to the presence of girls. Known for his mischievous nature, he once accidentally set off a homemade smoke bomb in a school locker, resulting in a full evacuation. A bit of a rebel and a budding chemist, Ron was also a talented athlete, an avid surfer and gymnast, and earned a full-ride scholarship to UC Berkeley.

Instead of attending college, Ron was drafted into the U.S. Army at 18, during the height of the Vietnam War. He served bravely in the Mekong Delta under the 25th Infantry Division as a helicopter gunner, surviving three helicopter crashes. He endured harsh conditions, including exposure to Agent Orange, which would later contribute to his health complications.

After returning to California, Ron faced a difficult homecoming and was not treated with the respect he deserved. Seeking connection and belonging, he reached out to his father's family in Iowa. With nothing but determination and a few belongings, Ron hitchhiked across the country, and during that journey, experienced a moment he never forgot: a mountain lion followed him for many miles before eventually turning away. Once in Iowa, his aunts and uncles welcomed him with open arms and gave him a place to heal and rebuild. Their love and support gave him a fresh start. They gifted him a car, helped him access his GI Bill benefits, and encouraged him to pursue his education. Ron enrolled at Des Moines Area Community College, where he studied mechanics and began a new chapter in life.

It was during this time that Ron met the love of his life, Debra, while walking through her childhood neighborhood in Marshalltown, Iowa. His charm was as clever as it was genuine, he bought a can of Hi-C just so he could borrow a can opener from her and strike up a conversation. From that moment on, their lives were intertwined.

Ron and Debra married in August 1975 and welcomed their daughter, Erin, in December 1976. Ron built a successful career as a mechanic and diesel technician, running his own small business from home. Debra, who held a teaching degree, went into banking at Norwest Bank, which later became Wells Fargo. Together, they raised Erin in Des Moines, Iowa, where Ron became known as one of the best mechanics on the south side.

In his early 30s, Ron became seriously ill and was diagnosed with adult-onset Type 1 diabetes, caused by benign tumors that shut down his pancreas, a condition later attributed to his exposure to Agent Orange. He became insulin-dependent for the rest of his life, facing the disease with quiet resilience and courage.

Ron's love for animals and children was well known. He was rarely seen without his loyal golden retriever, Ginger, who rode everywhere with him, especially to the local store, where she was treated to a daily Slim Jim. He adored birds and was the kind of neighbor who always had candy ready for kids. Ron was as much a fixture of the neighborhood as the homes themselves: kind, reliable, and always ready with a story or a joke.

In 2004, Erin and her husband Joe, who had moved to Washington State in 1997, welcomed Ron's first grandson. A year later, Ron and Debra moved to be near their daughter's growing family. Though his heart always remained in Iowa, Ron spent the last 20 years in Washington, surrounded by the people he loved most. He was a proud and devoted grandfather (Papa) to Connor (21), Brendan (17), and Kelvin (11), and never stopped expressing his pride in his daughter and son-in-law.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Debra (Seim) Keller, his daughter Erin (Keller) Chandler and son-in-law Joseph Chandler, and his three cherished grandsons: Connor, Brendan and Kelvin. He is also survived by his siblings Kathlene (Keller) Burns and Vincent Phoenelt, sister-in-law Tina Phoenelt, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Harriett (MacDonald) Phoenelt and Raymond Keller, his stepfather Max Phoenelt, and his brothers Nicholas Keller and Leslie Phoenelt.

Ron's legacy is one of love, loyalty, resilience, and strength. A soldier, a mechanic, a husband, a father, and a "Papa," he gave his life to those he loved and asked for little in return. His presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A military funeral will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on June 5, 2026, to allow family and friends time to travel to Washington for his memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Pierce County Humane Society or the American Diabetes Association in Ron's honor.