Irene Keller Obituary

Sincerest condolences to Dick and the children. My wife Mary and I got to know them both well while working with Dick at PGM, Inc. and our son Tom has several of their autographed Thingamujig books in his collection. One of my favorite memories was playing for Tam's wedding and getting to know more of the family with Irene and Dick. She'll be in our prayers.

I have very fond memories of Mrs. Keller as one of these delightful people you meet in life. I knew her as a good neighbor, but mostly as Randall's mom. She was a beautiful woman, with and effervescent, infectiously friendly personality, who with her husband Dick were neat parents and partners in life. My heartfelt condolences to Dick, Randall, Rod and Tami.



It seems somewhat ironic now that just about a month ago, early July, I bumped into Randall accidentally while my wife, kids and I visited with my folks on North Shore and my Dad and I talked to Randall about his mom. She will be missed, but her spirit and zest for life will not be forgotten.

Irene Keller was truly a beautiful, gracious, and gifted lady. Her contributions at WORLD BOOK were significant. I recall with delight her many outstanding stories for young readers. God bless her and her family.

I was fortunate enough to count Irene as a colleague and a friend. Her freelance work for me was always impeccable. She never disappointed with either deadline or accuracy, and her cheerful, pleasant personality defused tension on any project on which we worked together. She had a gift with language and instinctively knew how to improve the flow and meaning of whatever she edited. Everything that her pencil touched came away enhanced.



Irene took a special interest when my daughter was born prematurely in 1994. She was very supportive and encouraging, and rejoiced with us over every achievement Katie has made over the years. She and her husband opened their home to us, and on our visits they charmed Katie and at the same time made my husband and I feel like we were the ones with the charming child. They genuinely enjoyed children. Katie knew this, and she loved them right back.



My husband knew Irene as a fellow poet and as an influential part of the 1960s Chicago poetry scene. Irene was generous with stories about her experiences in shaping the Chicago literary landscape. She was a fine writer and a muse to other poets.



Irene was a vibrant, elegant, clever, gracious, and kind soul. She was eternally young at heart, and that's how I'll remember her.

My sympathies go out to the late Ms. Keller's husband, Dick Keller, a former coworker of mine at PGM, Inc., and to the entire Keller family.

I worked with Irene for many years when she was a copy editor at World Book and I was a senior editor on the World Book Year Book and Science Year. She was a wonderful presence. She loved Scotland and had great stories to tell, and she had a sharp eye as an editor. My condolences to her family.

I had an office across from Irene for several years at World Book, and we had great times talking about her children's books and my own occasional ventures with verse. I greatly enjoyed sharing that aisle with her. Sincere condolences to her family.

Sincere sympathies to the Keller family. Irene was a joy to know. She will be missed but remembered with a smile.

You have my deepest sympathy. During the years I worked on World Book Year Book and the other news annuals, I never encountered a more capable, dedicated, and enjoyable-to-be-with editor than Irene. She was a true professional.