Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ronald Keller Obituary
Ron was director of the Naperville Municipal Band for 57 years, and participated in the band as a soloist and member for more than 70 years.
In addition to his involvement with the band, Ron taught music for more than four decades, beginning in Milledgeville, Ill., then Dwight, Ill., before returning to teach in Naperville, where he spent the majority of his teaching career.
He taught all levels of music instruction: grade school, middle school, high school, college - with the bulk of time spent at Jefferson Middle School - and even church choirs. He was also coordinator of music for the Naperville School District 203 for 18 years, while carrying a full teaching assignment.
He earned a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Northern Illinois University, received a master's degree in Music Education from Vandercook College of Music in 1967, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in music from Summit University of Louisiana in 1999.
He was a member of Windjammers Unlimited, an organization dedicated to the preservation of circus music, serving as president from 2007-2011. He has also belonged to the American School Band Directors Association, the Association of Concert Bands (as a life member and past president), the Masonic Lodge, and the Burlington Route Historical Society. In addition, Ron was treasurer of the Naperville Sister Cities Commission.
He is survived by his wife, Vicki Dahlsten Keller; one sister, Julie Keller; three daughters, Diana Keller Brandt (John), Jeri Thompson, Katie Palmer (Jon); one son, Jeff Keller; a special daughter, Emily Binder (Bob); seven grandchildren, Robert Keller (Ashley), Corinne Keller, (partner, John Kustow) Sarah Keller Lingross (Israel), Joshua Keller (Lexie), Frank Brandt (Alison), Hayden Thompson, Sammy Thompson, and Elizabeth Palmer; five great grandchildren, Zoey Keller, Evelyn Keller, Noah Keller, Samuel Keller and Autumn Brandt.
He was preceded in death by his father, Adam V. Keller; his mother, Dorothy (Goodge) Keller; and one son, Michael A. Keller.
A memorial service will be held for Dr. Keller at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Wentz Concert Hall in the campus of North Central College, in downtown Naperville. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at the First Congregational Church UCC, 25 E. Benton St., Naperville.
Donations in honor of Dr. Keller can be made to: The Ronald J. Keller Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 474, Naperville IL 60566; The First Congregational Church, UCC, 25 E. Benton St., Naperville, IL 60540, care of the music ministry; or Lizzy's
Fund, a senior dog shelter and rescue, 1700 Park St., #202, Naperville, IL 60563
WWW.lizzysfund.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Keller
6 Entries
Jerry K
May 31, 2024
If I may add one more thing. He was a great Chicago white sox fan. May Ron rest in peace. Sympathies to all. Jerry K
Michele Ryan
February 1, 2024
Ron was a dear friend, mentor and music colleague. We met when we moved to town in 1978 and I began playing clarinet under him in the Municipal Band. He referred my first clarinet student to me and later I taught under him in our school district. Ron opened my eyes to the world of music education and was an inspiration to me in my career. I remember the many school band experiences that he so willingly supported. He would always say that, he went to "school" each day, not to "work". It wasn´t work to him. Ron gave so much of his expertise to everyone and shared his passion for music. I was also fortunate to play clarinet under Ron in the Municipal Band for 44 years and had amazing experiences. He was such an ambassador for the band and community, giving endlessly of his time to promote this great organization and music in the community. I will always be grateful for having met Ron and I feel privileged to have called him my friend! He and his wife, Vicki were always gracious in their friendship to us. And, he could grill the best brats for friend gathering!
Keep the Sousa marches going in heaven, Ron. And, maybe Pique Dame, too! We will miss you. Rest in peace, dear friend!
You are "the Music Man!"
Nancy Havener
January 31, 2024
When I moved to Naperville in 1981 I had a few years of band directing experience under my belt and I took some years off to perform and to establish a clarinet studio in Naperville. Ron really helped me to get established in town and wanted me to join the Naperville Municipal Band which I did. After a few years of teaching summer school and private teaching he asked me about returning to teaching in the schools. He was very persuasive and enthusiastic about me teaching with him in returning to band directing at Jefferson Junior High. He asked me to be the assistant conductor for the Naperville Municipal Band and I did that for 6-7 yrs. He was bigger than life and always was so passionate about Naperville and his commitment to developing the Municipal Band into the wonderful band it is today. He asked me to be one of the soloists as well. My career path might have been much different if it wasn't for Ron so I will always be grateful to him for that. I can't imagine life in Naperville without him. I pray that his memory will always live on and I am sure there will be stories told years later how Ron affected so many people's lives. I pray for Vicki and the family during this difficult time. I can imagine that Ron is in heaven teaching the angels how to play a John Philip Sousa march!
Linda Robertson
January 30, 2024
How great it was to see Ron lead our Jefferson Band through the Saybrook neighborhood during their morning practice and to hear the clarity of their music. Such discipline from those kids at that age! And it was all because of Ron. RIP, Mr. Tuba Man!
Gregory L. Wunsch
January 28, 2024
Ron was a wonderful mentor. Coming to Naperville just out of college, I student taught with Ron at Jefferson Jr. High What a great experience to share his love of music, teaching & life.
Kathy Wunsch
January 28, 2024
When I moved to Naperville in 1974 to teach Orchestra at JJHS, Ron was one of the first people I met. We shared an office for many years, where I learned from the best. Not only did he mentor me in teaching, but taught me all about Naperville history and why it is the absolute best place to live and work. I will always be grateful to Ron for all his advice and encouragement. May he live forever in the fabric of Naperville´s musical memories, and may he rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Ronald Keller's name
Memorial Events
for Ronald Keller
How to support Ronald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ronald Keller's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
