Howard J. Keller, 87, of Michigan City, IN, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, at his home.
He was born Aug. 16, 1923, in Mill Creek, IN, the son of Daniel W. and Mary G. (Byerley) Keller.
Howard worked for Teledyne Casting Service for 29 years, retiring in 1985. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a former member, past commander and life member of VFW Post 2536, and was awarded as Veteran of the Year by VFW Ladies Auxiliary 2536. He was also a former member of American Legion Post 451, Moose Lodge 980, FOP 75, Blue Lodge 83 F&AM, and Orak Shrine, all of Michigan City, and Scottish Rite of South Bend, IN. He marched in many parades wtih the Orak Oriental Band. Howard was a longtime member of the Michigan City Honor Guard. He enjoyed bowling, golf and gardening.
On Sept. 24, 1949, in LaPorte, he married Maxine English, who preceded him in death on Feb. 28, 1970. On July 1, 1972, in Michigan City, he married Luella Timm Keller, who survives.
He is also survived by his two daughters, Diana (Harold) Eschenbrenner of Foristell, MO, and Debra (Jim) Ford of Meridian, MS; stepson Barry (Kathryn) Timm of Brownsburg, IN; eight grandchildren, Scott Eschenbrenner of O’Fallon, MO, Todd (Sarah) Eschenbrenner of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Jon Eschenbrenner of Creve Coeur, MO, Adam (Tamara) Timm of Jupiter, FL, Brian (Megan) Timm of Avon, IN, Allison Timm of Indianapolis, Kristen Timm of Knoxville, TN, and Misty (Rob) McGraw of Meridian, MS; six great-grandchildren, Jordan and Keller Eschenbrenner of St. Croix, Virgin Islands; Donovan Timm of Jupiter, FL, Addison Timm of Avon, IN, Kaden Timm of Avon, and Taylor Hollingsworth of Meridian, MS; two sisters, Alliene Renz of Rolling Prairie, IN, and Dorothy Hope of Charlotte, NC; and several nieces and nephews.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Rose Kellogg, Barbara Ratliff, Helen Lewallen and Aletha Shipton; and five brothers, Gerald Keller, Leon Keller, Ray Keller, Herschel Keller and Omer Keller.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte. A private family service will be held Saturday, Sept. 4, at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Raschka officiating. A military service will be conducted by VFW Post 2536 and American Legion Post 451 Honor Guard of Michigan City at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60607; or to the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
