Obituaries 17 July 2023

Gene Keller, 90, Owatonna

Gene Keller, 90, Owatonna, obituary

Eugene (Gene) Francis Keller, 90, died Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in Owatonna.

Gene was born in Owatonna on April 12, 1933, the only son to Francis and Agnes (Seykora) Keller. He graduated from Medford High School in 1951 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in April 1953. He served for two years as a clerk at an Assignment Center in Fort Carson, Colo. during the Korean War.

When he was discharged from the army, he returned to Owatonna and worked construction and helped his dad on the family farm. He was also a surveyor for the Highway Department.

On June 2, 1956, he was united in marriage to Patricia (Pat) Hoffman and soon after, moved to take over the family farm in Owatonna. Gene loved farming, hunting, fishing, and spending time at the family cabin. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, especially the water fights at the cabin.

Gene was an active member of his surrounding community. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Medford and a Knights of Columbus, Honorary Life, Charter Member and officer. He was also a KC Lodge officer. Gene was a Medford School board member for 12 years, along with a board member of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. He also acted as a local 4-H leader for many years.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Pat of 67 years and eight children: Lynn (Grant) Esborg of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, Mike (Jane) Keller of Medford, Joan (Tim) Kuhlman of Clark, S.D., Terry (Sherry) Keller of Medford, Brian (Debbie) Keller of New Richmond, Wis., Darla (Brant) Klepel of Mantorville, Beth (Randy) Schroeder of Cannon Falls and Reva (Kent) Harfmann of Mantorville. Also surviving are 24 grandchildren: Caleb (Jacquelin), Daniel (Becca), Chris (Sadie), Caitlin (Jacob), Brad (Liz), Blaine, Mitch (Jenna), Zach (Carly), Andrew (Alicia), Tyler (Courtney), Grace, Jon (Kaitlin), Kat, Kira (Ryan), Kyle (Katie), Kaleb (Erin), Justin (Annika), Jordan, Jeremy (Kaity), Ryan, Anna (Andrew), Kristina, Matthew and Katie; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Rosemary Gallea; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Agnes Keller and sister, Bernice Senart.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Medford. Friends may greet the family from 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Rd., Owatonna. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday at 10 a.m., one-hour prior to the Mass. Interment will follow services at Resurrection Cemetery with military honors provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.