John Keller, Jr. • 1924 - 2011

John Keller, Jr., 87, Minot, died unexpectedly on Sunday, November 6, 2011 in a Minot hospital with his loving family at his side.

John was born February 5, 1924 in Wellsburg, ND, to John and Mary Magdalena Keller. He was the youngest son, having twelve siblings. He was raised and received his education in Wellsburg.

As a young man, John served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to North Dakota where he worked construction in the Devils Lake area before moving to Minot.

On April 8, 1953 John married Helen Wald at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Minot. John built their family home where they raised their four children. In the early 1950’s, John became partners with George Woell in Woell Construction in Minot. John was a master of the craft of carpentry, building many beautiful, quality homes in the Minot area during his long career. Following his retirement from Woell Construction, he continued to work for many years, being involved in several of the remodeling projects at Trinity Hospital and Trinity Homes in Minot.

Fishing was John’s favorite pastime. He spent many winter days ice fishing and in the summers he could be found fishing the area lakes. Sundays were spent alternating visits with extended families. After his retirement he enjoyed his mornings, walking at the mall and sharing a cup of coffee with friends. He enjoyed gardening and working in the yard. After church on Saturday evenings, John and Helen could be found at the Knights of Columbus visiting with the relatives. John was a supportive, loving father who took great pride and pleasure in his family, especially his loving wife of 58 years, Helen, his grandchildren, and his great-granddaughter.

He was an active member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Minot, and the Holy Name Society of the church. He was a member of the American Legion, William G. Carroll Post #26, and the Elks Lodge, both in Minot. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he was a 4th Degree Knight. He was truly a wonderful man, who will be deeply missed.

Those who are honored to have shared in his life, Loving wife, Helen, Minot; children, Deb (Tim) DeWeese, Phoenix, AZ; Randy (Deb) Keller and Shelly (Rob) Kondos, all of Minot, and Rod (Betty) Keller, Minneapolis, MN; eight grandchildren, Brittany Keller, Zachary (fiancée Amanda Solberg) Keller, Brock Keller, Tyler Keller, Caitlyn Keller, Courtney (Cullen) Keller, Nicholas (Katie) Kondos, Jennifer Kondos and one very special great-granddaughter, Kendell Keller; brother, Casper (Lena) Keller, Moorhead, MN; sisters, Johanna Hovland of Washington State and Sister Hildegard Keller, Hankinson, ND; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Andy (Meg) Wald, Regina (John) Klein, Ann Black, Leona Mosser, Lorraine (Ed) Ziegler, Jim (Helen) Wald, Harold (Elaine) Wald, Maryann (Bob) Larson and Teresa Larson; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wendelin, Jack, Sebastian, Mike; sisters, Elizabeth, Julia, Rose, Annie, and Lena.

Funeral: Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Minot, ND.

Visitation and vigil service: Visitation will be Wednesday, November 9, 2011, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, and continuing at St. Leo’s Catholic Church from 6:00 to 7:00 with the vigil prayer service at 7:00.

Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

To sign the online guest register for John
To view the online guest register for John

Back to Obituaries