Terry Keller

Terry Keller was born on September 20, 1938, in Rushville, Nebraska, the son of Leslie and Mildred Keller. From an early age, Terry carried a quiet determination and an easygoing nature that would remain hallmarks of his life.

After graduating from Central High School, Terry continued his education at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. There he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, along with a minor in Psychology—an early reflection of both his practical mind and his interest in people.

In March of 1963, Terry answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where he served with the Fifth Army Division. He later transferred to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he proudly served with the 1st Infantry Division, known as the “Big Red One.” During his service, Terry earned the Sharpshooter and Good Conduct Medals. While stationed at Fort Riley, Terry married the love of his life, Sandra Jean Job, on June 6, 1964, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Terry was honorably discharged from the Army in March of 1965. He received a Letter of Commendation from his commanding officer for his outstanding performance as a Personnel Actions Specialist, praising his work as consistently exceptional and of the highest caliber—standards Terry carried with him throughout his life.

Following his military service, Terry and Sandra returned to Aberdeen, where he began a long and successful career with the JCPenney Corporation beginning as a Management Staff Trainee/Department Manager at the Aberdeen store. In 1968 he was transferred to Bemidji to take on the role as Assistant Manager and three years later to Ada, Minnesota, where he was promoted to Manager of the Ada Penney’s store. In 1979 Terry chose the challenge of business ownership. He invested in a Ben Franklin franchise and proudly owned and operated his store in Barnesville, Minnesota, for many years. After selling the business, Terry continued doing what he enjoyed most—working with people—when he joined Scheels All Sports in Fargo, North Dakota, where he worked as a firearms salesman.

Terry believed deeply in being part of the communities he called home. He was an active member of both the Ada and Barnesville Lions Clubs, and was on the board of the Ada Chamber of Commerce, giving generously of his time in service to others. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post #153 and a faithful member of St. James Church in Barnesville. Terry especially enjoyed participating in community events such as Potato Days and Crazy Daze, where his warm personality and playful sense of humor shone brightly. He never took himself too seriously, preferring colorful, fun neckties over professional black, and he delighted friends and neighbors by dressing up in a potato sack suit and top hat for Potato Days—an unforgettable example of his belief that laughter and joy were essential parts of life.

Outside of work and service, Terry fully embraced the things that brought him happiness. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and had a lifelong passion for repairing, buying, selling, and collecting firearms. He loved traveling to auctions in search of antiques and treasures. In quieter moments, Terry enjoyed watching classic Western movies and reading Western and detective novels. Another great passion was working on hot rods and attending car shows, and at the time of his passing, he proudly owned a 1941 Ford Coupe hot rod.

Above all else, Terry will be remembered as a kind, generous, and genuine man who was deeply loved by his family and respected in every community he was a part of. His steady presence, gentle humor, and willingness to serve others left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His passing is a loss felt by many.

Terry is survived by his sons, Todd Keller and Mark (Sheri) Keller; his daughters, Penny Keller and Cherri (Todd) Colliton; his grandchildren, Jacklyn Keller, Jaden Ellingson, Sophia Ellingson, Samantha Ellingson, Conner Colliton, and Katelyn Colliton; and four great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his legacy of kindness, service, and love.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Sandra, and his parents.

Terry Keller passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at his home under the care of and surround by his entire family at the age of 87 years, 3 months, and 24 days. May his memory be blessed.