James F. (“Lee” or “Skip”) Keller, 82, born Francis Allie Keller, of Greendale, passed away Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, surrounded by family, at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee. He was born on June 15, 1931, to the late Harry and Ardell (Couillard) Keller, of Marion, into a hardworking farm family.
He graduated from Marion High School in 1949. He played cornet in marching band and sousaphone in polka outfits such as Pits and His Pals and The Dairyland Derbies.
Francis entered the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor (OFM) in 1952 to answer a call to the priesthood and was ordained in 1959, taking the name James. He embraced a simple monastic side of life, and his collegiate professors at the St. Lawrence Seminary, Marquette University and Alverno College saw his great oratory skill. As a very well-traveled preacher, he retained the old tradition of retreats and revivals. James was eventually elevated to administrative positions at retreat houses in Appleton as well as Saginaw and St. Clair, Mich., and oversaw groups of traveling preachers.
James left the OFM in 1971 to be a family man. He married Christine (Franks). Although they later divorced, he never remarried, and James’ greatest accomplishment by far was the family he and Christine built and maintained together. James also enjoyed 12 years of service as a driver and instructor at Milwaukee County Transit System. He was a parishioner, council and choir member at St. James Catholic Church in Franklin. He was an intelligent, compassionate, generous and humble man. He was an accomplished cook and formidable at Sheepshead. He was blessed with extreme wit, and he always remained permanently in awe of God’s constant love, and it always made him grateful to be alive or “for anything to exist at all.”
He is survived by his children, Andre, Meredith (Michael) Clark, Carolyn (Kyle) Blasch, Ethan and Kateri (Daniel) Palkowski; brother, Jerald (Janice); sister, Kathleen (Duane) Ashenbrenner; sister-in-law, Joyce Keller; ex-wife, Christine and her son, Victor; and his five grandchildren, Karynn, Rilee, Myles, Emory and Anton.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert, and nephew, Gary (Ashenbrenner).
Funeral services were held at St. James Catholic Church on Jan. 25, 2014. James’ eternal remains will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Marion, in spring 2014.
In lieu of memorials, please feel free to make donations to James’ Capuchin brothers at House of Peace, 1702 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee, WI 53205 (www.houseofpeacemilwaukee.org).
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