Timothy Keller
Feb. 6, 1950-July 17, 2009Timothy James Keller, 59, Bismarck, passed away at home on July 17 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 22, at Corpus Christi Church, Bismarck, with the Rev. Paul Becker officiating. Visitation will be held today (Monday) from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Hertz Funeral Home of Harvey. Visitation will also be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, at the church followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. Burial will be held on Thursday, July 23 at 1 p.m. at the St. Cecilia's Catholic Cemetery at Harvey.
Tim was born on February 6, 1950 in Harvey, ND, the son of Steve and Wilda (Swedlund) Keller. He graduated from Harvey High School in 1968 and from NDSU in 1973 with a degree in business economics. Tim married Gail Helgerud on April 6, 1974 in Harvey, ND. Tim worked for the Bureau of Reclamation in Harvey, ND, Grand Island, NE, Billings, MT and most recently in Bismarck, ND. In January 2009 after 38 and 1/2 years of exceptional public service, Tim retired receiving numerous awards including a Citation for Superior Service and an Honor Award from the United States Department of the Interior. Tim was a member of the Eagles and Elks clubs, the Riverwood and Tom O'Leary golf courses and a former member of the Elks chorus and church choir, all of Bismarck. Tim loved life and lived it to the fullest. Whether he was golfing, bowling, shooting pool, riding his Harley, or DJing an event, Tim did it with passion and drive. He had charisma and confidence which made him successful in whatever he did. Tim was a loving husband and father and a friend to many.
He is survived by: his wife, Gail; his sons, Brian, Virginia Beach, VA, and Kevin and his special friend Katie Kopp, Bismarck; his mother, Wilda Keller of Harvey; his brothers, Steven (Beckee) Keller, Harvey, Geoff (Bev) Keller, Glendale, AZ, and Tom (Lori) Keller, Becker, MN; his sisters, Paulette (Bob) Deutsch, Northwood, ND, Julie (Rockie) Stavn, Bismarck, Mary (Carson) Steiner, Dickinson, ND, Kathy Jo (Kent) Taylor, Watford City, ND, and Debbie (Steve) Kourajian, Harvey, ND and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tim was preceded in death by two infant daughters, his brother Michael and his father Steve.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to St Alexis Hospice for their care and support.
