James L. Keller

Mass of Christian Burial for James L. Keller, 81, Garden City, was held Wednesday at St. Dominic’s Church, Garden City. Burial was at Valley View Cemetery, Garden City.
Mr. Keller died Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, in Garden City.
He was born April 29, 1929, in Seward, the son of Charlie and Lucille Keller. He attended Catholic school in Seward before graduating from Great Bend High School in 1947.
After high school, he attended Kansas University where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Fraternity. After college, Mr. Keller served as a corporal in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Sasebo, Japan, during the Korean War.
After the service, he accepted a job at Keller Leopold Abstract and Insurance, the beginning of a 50-year insurance career. He would go on to purchase the business in 1967. He retired from Keller Leopold in 2003.
Over the last 50-plus years he was very involved in his community. He was involved in the Garden City Jaycees, the Elks Lodge and a member of the American Legion. He was a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus and served two terms as grand knight. He also served as a member of the county planning commission and was actively involved in St. Dominic’s Church, including being ordained as a Eucharist minister.
In addition to his family, he liked to read, socialize, travel, engage in a lively political discussion and go boating with his family.
He married Loretta Heiman on Nov. 25, 1954, in Garden City. She preceded him in death on Jan. 23, 1991.
He later married Mariella Owston on May 1, 1999, in Garden City. She survives at the home.
Survivors include four sons, Chuck, Doug and Eric, all of Garden City, and Tim Keller, Lawrence; a daughter, Nancy Harness, Garden City; a brother, Marvin, Casper, Wyo.; a sister, Janice Becker, Springfield, Mo.; 15 grandchildren including Rachel, Regan and Sadie Keller; five stepgrandchildren; one great-grandchild; and four stepgreat-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
The family suggests memorials to Emmaus House or St. Dominics Catholic Church, both of Garden City.
Online condolences may be sent at garnandfh@sbcglobal.net.