Marianne Kellerhals

Marianne Kellerhals Champaign - Marianne (Schrader) Kellerhals, 91, went home to be with the Lord on her birthday, Sunday (Nov. 16, 2025). She was born Nov. 16, 1934, in Champaign, to Paul Cranston Schrader and Dorothy (Ball) Schrader. Marianne and Kenneth "Ken" Claud Kellerhals met on a hayride when they were both 12 years old; that moment grew into a lifetime together. They were married on Jan. 29, 1956, and shared 70 years of marriage. Marianne and Ken were faithful members of the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign for more than seven decades. Marianne was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Alan, Richard and Chuck Schrader. She is survived by her husband, Ken; their children, Ken (Patty) Kellerhals of Clayton, Mo., Karen (Dr. Bruce) Kaplan of Champaign and Kay (Dave) Wells of Champaign; nine grandchildren, Kristi Kaplan (Champaign), Kevin (Maggie) Kaplan (London, England), Kyle (Kelly) Kaplan (Cincinnati), Kam Wells (Boston), Noah Wells (Champaign), Trey Wells (Champaign), Kelsey Wells (Champaign), Paul Kellerhals (St. Louis) and Emily Kellerhals (Milwaukee); and two great-grandchildren, Eli Kaplan (London, England) and Evie Kaplan (Cincinnati). A lifelong believer in the importance of education, Marianne graduated from Champaign High School in 1952 and from the University of Illinois in 1956, where she was active in Delta Gamma. After graduation, she followed her passion for teaching and joined Westview School in Champaign as a schoolteacher. She also taught Sunday school at First Presbyterian Church and founded the church's baby crib program. Marianne spent 13 years at Carle Foundation Hospital and served as the first secretary of the hospital's patient advisory program when it was formed. Marianne loved her family above all. She was a constant source of encouragement and support to her three children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was an avid Illini fan, a love passed down from her father, who played with Red Grange. She delighted in analyzing games from her armchair, knowing the stats and cheering loudly at every play. Guests at her home never left hungry; Marianne delighted in cooking, baking and treating holiday decorating as a full-time calling. The family thanks the many friends and neighbors who surrounded Marianne with love throughout her life. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. prior to the funeral. Burial will be private. Condolences may be made at morganmemorialhome.com.