Anthony "Tony" Keller

ANTHONY "TONY" KELLER
McCOOK - Anthony "Tony" Keller, 75, passed away unexpectedly, with his family by his side, on Sunday, March 30, 2008. He died as a result of a massive stroke. He was the fourth of eleven children born to Albena and Felix Keller in Kosciusko, Texas. He moved with his family to the Valley in 1937. In 1943 they moved to Hargill, where he began farming with his father. In 1949, the family moved to McCook, where they continued farming. He married the love of his life, Alice Margaret Sekula, on January 12, 1953. Three months later he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. After being discharged, they returned to McCook and began their lifelong commitment to farming and ranching.
He was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church, where he served several terms on the parish council board, including a term as President. He served on the board of directors for First State Bank in Edinburg and was also active on numerous other boards. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He took special pride and enjoyment in his ranch where he raised many varieties of exotic game especially for his grandchildren, to instill in them a love of hunting and appreciation for wildlife. He will be dearly missed by everyone whose life he touched.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Alice; his five children, John Keller and wife, Silvia of McAllen; Betty Jean Ohlhauser and husband, Steven of Rockport; Julie Dale and husband, George of LaFeria; Alex Keller and wife, Lisa of Mission; and Phyllis Teplicek and husband, Craig of Mission. He was very proud of their 14 grandchildren, Stacie Keller, Crystal James (Ryan), Brian Keller, Jennifer Taylor (Blake), Leo Sanfilippo (Wendy), Toni Marie Sanfilippo, Mary Ohlhauser, Alice Jean and David Anthony Dale, Drew and Wyatt Keller, Coleton, Courtney and Reece Teplicek; step-grandson, Jerry Lara; 4 great-grandchildren, Camron and Brandon Taylor , Kaylah James and Madeline Sanfilippo.
Surviving siblings include Mary Moltz, Dorothy Brieger, Tina Machac (Joe), Susie Duncan (Donald), Angela Machac, Virginia Skloss, Claude Keller, and Cathy Dillard (Ross). He is also survived by sisters-in-law Alice Kotara Keller of McAllen, Gladys Keller Miller of McCook, former daughter-in-law Debby Nelson Keller and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Felix and Albert; brothers-in-law Lloyd Brashear, Richard Machac, Frank Machac and Gilbert Skloss.
Pallbearers will be his close personal friends Dennis Hendrix, Joe Machac, Emil Prukop, Tommy Richards, Jack Scoggins and Virgil Swanberg. Honorary pallbearers will be Bert Forthuber and Johnny Pawlik.
Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2008, with the rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Mission with burial following at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in McCook.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hidalgo County 4-H Foundation, c/o 1616 E. Griffin Pkwy, PMB# 231, Mission, TX 78572, or the Museum of South Texas History, 121 E. McIntyre, Edinburg, TX 78541.
Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
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