Elmer Keller Obituary

Keller, Elmer After a courageous battle with a relentless disease, Elmer Keller entered into eternal life on March 20, 2015 with his family by his side. He leaves behind his loving wife, Mary (nee Andis); and only son, Frank (Jennifer). He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Freida (nee Cieszynski). Born on November 17, 1931, he was the youngest brother of the late Joseph Keller, the late Lawrence (Charlotte) Keller, and the late Sylvia (the late Tony) DeRose. He was the loving uncle of Ralph (Maryann) DeRose, Diane (Jack) Grant, David (Sue) DeRose, Peter (Sharen) DeRose, Robert (Cathy) DeRose, Mark (Martina) DeRose, Kathy (Dan) Davis, Lynn (Andy) Stefik, the late Gail (Luis) Patinos, Linda Keller, and Maureen (Terry) Kmiec. As a young boy, he attended Byrne Elementary School. He and his best friends, Louie Aidinovich and Paul and Angela Stekovich, shared many adventures roaming the prairies of Garfield Ridge. He later continued his education at Washburn Trade School. Over the course of his early working career, he was employed at A&A Wire Products, Seeburg Jukebox, Club Aluminum, and the SKIL Company. For the final 26 years of his career, he worked as a custodian at Argo Community High School where he forged unforgettable relationships with countless people in the building. In 1975, he married the love of his life, Mary, and they enjoyed 39 wonderful years together. Elmer was a tremendous role model for his son, Frank, and taught him, by example, the true meaning and importance of fatherhood. Throughout his life, he was mentored by his beloved cousin, Harriet Bosky. Elmer will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his willingness to help those in need, and his genuine concern for the wellbeing of his family. He had a one-of-a-kind mixture of passions, including antique cars, dogs, Bohemian food, professional wrestling, and country music. Gene Autry and Champion, his horse, were his boyhood heroes. He had a razor-sharp memory for historical subjects and milestone dates in his family's history. We are all better people for having known him. Elmer Henry Keller left a wonderful legacy for everyone he met throughout his cherished 83 years. Funeral Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. from FORAN FUNERAL HOME, 7300 W. Archer Ave. (55th St., just west of Harlem) to St. Joesph Church. Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Monday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers or donations, please consider a contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Joseph's Parish in Summit, IL. Please visit Elmer's personal tribute website at www.foranfuneralhome.com and sign his guestbook. 708-458-0208.