Walter Jay Keller, age 76, of Minatare, Nebraska passed away on September 28, 2023 in his home at Lake Minatare.
Services officiated by Pastor Aaron Prohs will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday October 3rd at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home with visitation from 12:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. A celebration of life reception will be held following services from 3:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post #36 in Gering, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Walter’s honor may be made in care of his family for designation at a later date.
Walt was born March 25, 1947 in Valentine, Nebraska to Harry and Grace (Cross) Keller. He attended school in Cody, Nebraska where, following high school, he served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1973. He was stationed in Vietnam, attaining the rank of Spec 5 as a TMP Motor Sergeant. For his service in Vietnam, he received the Army Commendation Medal. He received an honorable discharge October 1, 1973.
After his service in the military, Walt eventually moved to Minatare, Nebraska, where he worked for Nash Finch, Scottsbluff until its closure when he started his 35 year career with American Colloid Company, now known as Ameri-Co Carriers in Scottsbluff, Nebraska as a mechanic and maintenance supervisor. After his retirement from Ameri-Co Carriers, Walt opened his own auto repair business, “Keller’s Auto Repair,” located on County Road J in Scottsbluff, which he ran up until his recent decline in health and ultimate passing.
On May 28, 1983, Walt married the love of his life, Lilian Keller, at their home in Gering. After several family moves in Gering, he and his wife Lilian ultimately made their home at Lake Minatare.
Walt was very proud to have served his country. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Gering Volunteer Fire Department from 1984-1989. Walt was also a member of the American Legion Post #36 in Gering. He was an outdoorsman with a love of hunting, fishing, and camping. He most enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially at the lake visiting, fishing, boating, and giving the best tube rides ever.
Walt is survived by his wife, Lilian Keller; sisters, Patricia Miller (Reno, NV) and Shirley Turgeon (Phoenix, AZ); sons, Ivan Keller, Travis Keller, and Evan Stricker; daughters, Valrey Keller, Brenda Keller, Criss Free, Miranda Keller, and Lisa Benavides; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Grace Keller, and brother, Donald Eugene Keller.