Francis Lee Keller (Lee), age 94, passed away peacefully November 27, 2015 at Trillium Woods Faith Hospice in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was preceded in death by Dorothy (Rieger) his loving wife of 56 years, and second wife Mary Grace (Cummins) with whom he spent seven happy and fulfilling years, sons Jack and Lee Keller, grandson Josh Keller and sister Mary Jane Armstrong. He is survived by daughters Patti Herm (Jim), Mary Creswell (Brad), sons Mike Keller (Kimberly), Jim Keller (Jane), Tom Keller (Melissa), Bill Keller (Lisa), and twenty grandchildren. Lee was born March 27, 1921 in Oak Park, Illinois. He graduated from St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota in 1942 and then proudly and honorably served as a Marine in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He married Dorothy in 1947 and settled in Elmhurst, Illinois. He moved his growing family to Grand Rapids in 1955 where he started Keller Equipment Company. Upon retirement he and Dorothy spent many winters in Naples, Florida. He was a long time member of Cascade Hills Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf, his lifetime’s passion. When he could no longer play golf he continued playing cards and enjoyed the companionship of his many dear friends. He maintained his Cascade membership and was proud to be the longest active member of record. A favorite hobby was building authentic historic model airplanes and cars. He loved watching all sports and was an ardent Michigan Wolverine fan. A devout Catholic, he was a member of St. Roberts Church. He will be remembered always as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. A quiet, honorable man with a sharp wit, and irresistible charm who found his greatest pride and joy in his love for his family and his greatest strength was derived from his abiding faith. His long, full life will be celebrated as one that was faithfully lived and lovingly served. Go Blue! Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday, 10:00 AM at St. Robert of Newminster Church, 6477 Ada Dr. SE, Rev. Leonard Sudlik, presiding. Interment Cascade Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-5783.
