(From obit book at Decatur Library, Decatur, Indiana; died Sept. 22, 1966)


Robert E. Keller dies of heart attack Thursday

Robert E. Keller, 48, prominent Decatur man for whom local residents staged a fund drive last fall and winter after he was forced to undergo amputations of both legs, died at 2:30 o’clock Thursday afternoon at the Adams county memorial hospital.

Mr. Keller suffered a heart attack shortly after noon Thursday at his home, 220 North Sixth street, and was rushed to the hospital, where he died at 2:30.

Mr. Keller, a lifelong resident of Decatur and a veteran of World War II, was stricken by Burger’s disease, which made necessary the double amputation last October. A subsequent fund drive, which included a benefit basketball game, raised approximately $10,000 for the family.

Born in Decatur Oct. 30, 1917, he was a son of Edward and Rose Reinhart-Keller. He was married to Miss Virgene Ulman April 11, 1945.

He was employed at the Decatur plant of the General Electric Co. for 15 years before illness forced his retirement in August of 1965.

Services Monday

Mr. Keller was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic church, the Holy Name Society, American Legion Post 43, and the Loyal Order of Moose.

Surviving are his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Thomas (Sharon) Ellsworth of Portland, and Misses Jane and Marjorie Keller, both at home; one son, John Keller, at home; his mother, Mrs. Rose Keller of 412 North Fifth street; three brothers, Jerome, Herman and Florian Keller, all of Decatur; and two sisters, Mrs. John (Marcella) Loshe of Decatur, and Mrs. James (Betty) Mallory of Duarte, Calif. A brother, Dr. Harold Keller, was killed in a traffic accident several years ago.

Funeral services will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic church, with Rev. Denis Blank officiating. Burial will be in the Catholic cemetery. Friends may call at the Zwick funeral home after 7 p.m. Saturday until time of the services. Moose lodge services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Sunday. Military rites at the graveside will be conducted by American Legion Post 43. (no date)