Robbie Hewitt Keller

ROBBIE HEWITT KELLER July 9, 1942 – October 29, 2019               Robbie Keller, 77, passed away Tuesday October 29, 2019 at Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN with his wife and brother-in-law by his side after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.             Robbie Hewitt Keller was born July 9, 1942 in Downing, WI to the late Herbert and Edith (Shaw) Keller. He graduated in 1960 from Braham High School in Braham, MN.  Before graduation and following, he worked for local farmers doing fieldwork. He also drove a can truck and later started working at Dalbo Creamery where he got the nickname “Bear”. Later on in his life, he worked for Land O’Lakes in Perham, MN as an evaporator operator and Two Inlets Mill in Two Inlets, MN.             In the early ’60s, Robbie married his high school sweetheart Karen Putz. They were blessed with two children: Tammie Rae and Andrew James.  During this time, he enjoyed spending time with his kids. Adventures included riding with him on the milk truck and going to Canada fishing among many other fun adventures. Robbie and Karen belonged to a Square Dance Group where they enjoyed traveling around to different places to square dance.             In 1989, Robbie married Theresa Zilka at the Park Rapids Courthouse. They were blessed with a daughter: Robyn Marie. After visiting the Zilka Farm outside of Park Rapids, Robbie fell in love with the gentle peace and quietness of the area and moved with his family to the Zilka Farm. He enjoyed driving tractor and doing various farm work, planting and working on gardening, and doing odd and end jobs around the yard. Later in life, two of Theresa’s nieces became very involved in Robbie’s life leading to him becoming “grandpa” to their children. He enjoyed getting down on the ground with the little kids and playing with them. He also enjoyed holding the little ones and rocking them in the chair.             During his time in Park Rapids, he became involved in Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Two Inlets and Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Park Rapids doing various ministries and helping where needed in the church community. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.             He will be greatly missed by his wife of 30 years, Theresa of Park Rapids, MN; his three children: Tammie of Braham, MN, Andy of Mora, MN, and Robyn of Grand Forks, ND; his six grandchildren: Bonnie Keller, Crystal Keller, Nina (TJ) Blum, Amber Keller, Jon Keller, and Chris Keller; his eight great-grandchildren with one on the way; sister, Edith Ann Schwab (Joel); five brothers, Ray, Jim (Bonnie), Melvin “Dutch” (Marie), Bill (Denise), and Tim; and sisters-in-law: Tara Lee Keller and Becky Keller; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.             He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Harry, David, and Daniel; three sisters: Beverly Keller, Audrey Johnson, and Minnie Keller; and one grandson: Zachary Keller.             Visitation will be held 5-8 PM, Monday, November 4, 2019 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home, Park Rapids, MN. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 Tuesday November 5, 2019 at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. Music will be led by Annette Haas. Active casket bears will be Tammie Keller, Robyn Keller, Francis Zilka, Bob DeCrans, Grace Harne, and Joy Rippentrop. Interment will be made in Saint Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Park Rapids, MN.             To leave online condolences or to view the tribute video please visit www.jonespearson.com