Robert Ray Keller, 89, of La Porte, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2022.

  

Robert was born in La Porte, IN, on March 23, 1933 to Ray and Anna (Hahn) Keller. 

 

On May 3, 1952  in La Porte, he married Dolores (Mellenthin) who survives.  Also surviving are his children,  Brad (Pam) Keller, Marcia (Bob) Vaughn, Todd (Ann) Keller and Paul Keller; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 6 great, great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Darla Eiler and Connie Boss; 2 sisters-in-law, Gretchen Keller and Marilyn Burrows; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Derel Keller.

 

Robert was very hard working and held various jobs throughout his life.  In 1996 after 31 years, he retired from AAL (Thrivent) as an insurance salesman, but had previously worked as a supervisor at Austenal (Howmet), a Coca-Cola deliveryman, realtor, saw mill operator, and various second and third jobs throughout his life.  More important than the occupations he held, Robert was a man of generosity.  He was often volunteering at St. John's Parochial School as a football coach, as a St. John's Parish Hall bowling pin setter, or setting up Christmas trees for shut-ins.  His generosity continued even upon his death as he made the selfless decision to be donated to the IU School of Medicine Anatomical Education Program.

 

He was a family man who always took time to support his children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's educational and athletic endeavors.  Robert set aside quality time to take family vacations and attend gatherings.  He was quick to provide his assistance and expertise to help family and friends with home repairs, remodeling, haircuts, and the dreaded weed pulling of the garden.  During his free time, he enjoyed completing woodworking projects such as hope chests, cradles, quilt racks, coat trees, mantles, bird houses, and intarsia design.  His family always looked forward to the treasured handiwork created by him and Dolores. 

 

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran church, where he served on the Board of Elders.  He was also as a member of the National Association of  Life Underwriters and the La Porte High School Football Hall of Fame. 

 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022  at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor John Albers and Rev. Dr. Kendall Schaeffer officiating.

 

A time of visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 p.m. on Saturday at the St. John's Lutheran Church.

 

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church--Handicap Accessibility Upgrades, 111 Kingsbury Ave., La Porte, IN 46350.                              

 

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.