Earl Keller

1938 - 2024

Earl Keller

June 9, 1938 - January 17, 2024

San Luis Obispo, California - Earl was the youngest of eight children born to John Keller and Laura Schmeiser Keller in Forest Junction, Wisconsin. He enjoyed exploring the fields and woods surrounding the family home. However, he couldn't behave at the family dinner table and was the only child of the eight who earned a spanking. He attended a one-room elementary school in Forest Junction, followed by six years at Brillion High School. Following graduation from high school, he loaded up his hot rod and drove to Houston, Texas, to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting at the University of Houston. After graduation, he returned to Wisconsin to work as a staff accountant for the Public Service Commission in Madison where he met his future wife, the former Jean Holtz. Jean and Earl were married on December 19, 1964. It was then on to Milwaukee, to work as the Chief Accountant for Universal Telephone, Inc. The desire for additional education took him to the University of Washington to earn his MBA and PhD. This was followed by 15 years as a Professor of Accounting at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). Earl and Jean eventually settled in beautiful San Luis Obispo where he was a Professor of Accounting, Department Head, and Director of Graduate Programs at Cal Poly until his retirement in 2017. He set the bar pretty high for his students but in the process earned the illustrious nickname of "Killer Keller." He is survived by his wife, Jean, sister-in-law Sharyl Schlieckau and her husband Darrell, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wants to thank Dr. Michael DiBiase and the staff at DaVita for their kind and considerate care. In accordance with Earl's wishes, no formal services will be held. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Woods Humane Society or the SLO Food Bank.