Charles Llewellen Keller

Charles Llewellen Keller

1928 ~ 2025

Salt Lake City, Utah-Charles Llewellyn Keller, age 96, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away on July 20, 2025.

He was born 27 October 1928 in Emaus, PA, to Charles A. and Helen V. (Brey) Keller. He served in the US Air Force from 1946 to 1949. Earned a BS in Aeronautical Engineering at Tulsa University in 1954 and an MS in Applied Mathematics at Adelphi University in 1956.

He worked as an engineer for Sperry Gyroscope Company in Long Island until transferring to the corporation's Salt Lake City operation in 1961. He retired from Unisys in 1989 after thirty-five years with that company and its many predecessors. He then attended the Violin Making School of America, receiving a Luthier's certificate, and spent a number of years building stringed instruments.

He had a life-long interest in history and spent many hours in historical research, producing many papers published in various historical and technical journals. His publications included a monograph, "U.S.S. Shenandoah," and a book, "Up Ship!." In his retirement he also researched and wrote the book "The Lady in the Ore Bucket," a history of settlement and industry in the Wasatch Mountains above the Salt Lake Valley, an endeavor that reflected his love for the mountains where he spent much of his free time. He was a long-time active member of the Wasatch Mountain Club.

He was an enthusiastic cellist who took part in chamber music sessions whenever they could be arranged. For many years he was a regular participant at chamber music workshops in Bozeman, MT; Seattle, WA; Ashland, OR; and Estes Park, CO.

He married Joan J. Feiertag in 1950. Later divorced. Married Allene Hahn in 1979. He and Allene shared many treks through mountains around the world and travels throughout the US and numerous Central American countries.

Survivors include his wife Allene; son Michael (Mary) Keller, Bolivar, MO; son Eric (Tonya) Keller; and several grandchildren.

Honoring his wishes, there will be no services.