Stephen C. "The Snakeman" Keller

Stephen C. Keller-also known as "The Snakeman"-passed away at the age of 69 on Monday, August 18, 2025. He was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on August 15, 1956, to Dr. William "Doc" Keller and Janet Keller. A true child of the times, he grew up in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, graduating from Kaukauna High School in 1974. It was there that he met the love of his life, Anne L. Miller, in choir and during a school theatre production.

In his early life, Steve was an avid member of the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout the Fox Valley and across Wisconsin. His love for animals, particularly reptiles, amphibians, and dogs, was lifelong. Once, this passion resulted in a garter snake infestation in his childhood neighborhood-a memory he would often share with a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face.

Steve had a deep love for nature and camping that he instilled in his children, Stephannie M. Keller and Benjamin J. Keller, and later shared with his only grandchild, Karma Rose Schulze-his pride and joy. He also fostered this respect for the outdoors in the numerous Boy Scouts he mentored during his many years as an Adult Leader and Scoutmaster for Troop 3 of Menasha, Wisconsin, where he and Anne raised their family.

A beloved and talented local musician, Steve could often be found on stage, pouring his heart and soul into music alongside his fellow musicians, or playing privately at home. Proficient in many instruments, he was especially known for his mastery of the harmonica, or "harp" as he called it, coaxing notes both mournful and jubilant, but always unmistakably his. Though he enjoyed and could play most genres of music, at his core he was a devoted Blues aficionado. Over the years, he made many friends in the Wisconsin music community and even had the honor of interviewing some of his favorite artists and idols.

His love of music was infectious, and that joy in all things musical flourishes in his family. One of his children's most cherished memories of their father is playing music with him around a campfire, the crackle of flames in harmony with the notes beneath the wooded night sky.

For the past 20+ years, "The Snakeman" traveled throughout Wisconsin educating the public about snakes and reptiles, working to demystify these often misunderstood and needlessly feared creatures. His co-educator in the latter years, Carl Hogue-once terrified of snakes-came to love them dearly after attending Steve's shows. With the blessing of Steve's family, Carl plans to continue his legacy by keeping Steve and Carl's Traveling Snake Show alive for future generations.

Over the past two decades, Steve educated thousands of children and adults on the fascinating world of herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians. He was especially active with regular programs at 1000 Islands Environmental Center, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, and High Cliff State Park. His passion extended beyond education, as he also rescued and rehomed countless at-risk animals, working with shelters, sanctuaries, zoos, and state organizations to ensure their health and wellbeing.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Doc and Janet Keller; his best friend, James "Jim Shoes" Jeffrey; and many other friends gone too soon. He is survived by his former wife, Anne L. Miller; their children, Stephannie M. Keller and Benjamin J. Keller (Sabryna M. Keller); his granddaughter, Karma Rose Schulze; his siblings Lora Keller, Michael Keller, Marie Filtz (Duane Filtz), and James Keller, along with their children; as well as his steadfast and beloved black lab, Rufus Keller.

A Celebration of Life for Steve Keller will be held on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at the 1000 Islands Environmental Center, 1000 Beaulieu Court, Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. CT, with the program to start at 5:00 p.m. CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to any of the organizations he worked with.

His family warmly welcomes friends, family, and associates of Steve to join in celebrating his life. They are deeply grateful to the 1000 Islands Environmental Center for opening its doors to honor Steve in a place that reflected his love of nature and community. To Steve's musician friends: you're invited to bring your instruments to send him off with one final jam session.