Paul J. Keller

Paul J. Keller, 87, of Colonial Park, Harrisburg, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 27, at his home. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Dorothy E. Lehr Keller, who passed away in January 1993.

He was born Aug. 2, 1919, in Brodheadsville and was the son of the late William and Lucy Miller Keller.

A self-educated man, he owned several businesses in Lower Paxton Township, Harrisburg, including having the first 15-cent hamburger stand in Harrisburg, and was instrumental in helping others start their own businesses. He also owned businesses in Nevada and the Poconos and was involved in real estate in the Colonial Park area.

He attended Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church, was a life member of the Linglestown American Legion, the Shellsville VFW and the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Council; and enjoyed traveling with his wife, especially in the Southwest.

As a combat infantryman in the U.S. Army during World War II, he received many medals, including the Purple Heart, which were awarded 56 years after his military service.

Surviving are his son, Wayne P. Keller and his wife, Joan, of Carlisle; a daughter, Betty F. and her husband, Steven Murray, of Harrisburg; six grandchildren, Kimberly, Scott, Kathy, Randy, Todd and Pamela; 12 great-grandchildren, Patrick, Jennifer, Christopher, Dorothy, Benjamin, Matthew, Amanda, Samantha, Melanie, Allison, Paul and Elliot; and two great-great-grandchildren, Alexis and Devon.

There will be a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Zimmerman Auer Funeral Home, 4100 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109, and from 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4768 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Services will be held at noon on Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. M. Robert Green officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Contributions may be made in his memory to his church.