William C. Keller

William "Bill" C. Keller, 86, Bismarck, died September 6, 2014, at his home, from cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2014, at 12:00 Noon at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Richter officiating. Burial will be at the ND Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 6:00 – 7:00 PM at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit where a rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. William was born on February 16, 1928, in Strasburg, ND, the son of Peter and Monica Richter Keller. He grew up and attended school in Strasburg and graduated from Strasburg High School where he was a member of the basketball team. Following high school, he taught for one year in Strasburg. He then attended the seminary in Montana for a brief time until a priest instructed him that "many are called but few are chosen, so go forth and multiply", which he did! On September 29, 1949, William married Mabel Melech at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. They made their home in Bismarck. William served in the ND National Guard and was called to active duty during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from the Guards, he began his career at the Mandan Refinery for Amoco Oil from 1954 until his retirement in 1988. Following his retirement, he and Mabel spent many winters in Arizona. William was also employed by Challenger Industries from 2002 – present and was even named 'Employee of the Month'. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, water volleyball, puzzles, pinochle, and chess. He was active with Boy Scouts as a leader and was proud of his Eagle Scouts. He was also active with the Cathedral Choir, the Cursillo and the Knights of Columbus. William was an innovator; there wasn't a problem he couldn't solve. His favorite quote was "work smarter, not harder." William's greatest enjoyment in life was following his grandkids sporting events, which fell in line with his priority of family first. William is survived by his wife, Mabel of Bismarck; his daughters, Diana Don Roloff of Bismarck, Susan Mac Condry of Bismarck, and Nancy Dave Reis of Bismarck; his sons, Charles Roberta Keller of Bismarck, Dennis Grayce Keller of Moneta, Wyoming, John Jeanette Keller of Bismarck, Kenneth Marilyn Keller of Bismarck, and Glen Carla Keller of Fargo; his grandchildren, Jason Kristy Roloff, Jon Tracy Roloff, Joel Becky Roloff, Jarred Kendra Roloff, RaShelle Nate Bren, Matthew Condry, Shauna Condry, Evan Condry, Erik Reis, Kyle Reis, Kasi Reis, Shannon Jarrod Becker, Sabrina Art Renner, Jessica Keller, Dennis Keller, William Jennifer Keller, Nicole Scott Stoeckel, Michael Jess Keller, Christopher Keller, Alisha Bryon Hoag, Brandon Adrienne Keller, Craig Keller, Sarah Keller, Kari Keller, Kevin Keller, Gene Keller, April Christian John Bernabucci, and Tallen Keller; 32 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jeames Bonnie Keller of Bismarck; and one sister, Mary Dick Bruce of Cincinnati, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents; one stillborn daughter, Mary; three brothers, Andrew, George, and Roger; and two sisters, Johanna Fernandez and Genevieve Heck. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229 or the El Zagel Shrine, 1429 3rd St. North, Fargo, ND 58102. One of William's grandsons was provided medical care at their hospital in Cincinnati.

William C. Keller

February 16, 1928 - September 6, 2014