Blane Keller

Velva

Blane Pius Keller, 67, Velva ND passed away on February 17th 2025 in his home surrounded by his family.

Blane was born on May 27,1957 in Harvey, ND, the youngest of three children to Pius and Barbara (Lesmeister) Keller. Blane was raised on the family farm north of Selz until the family moved to Harvey. He graduated from Harvey High School in 1975. He furthered his education by attending North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, later transferring to Bismarck State College, where he completed his electrical lineman training.

He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Donna Mae Vetter on November 28th 1975. Blane and Donna made their home in Velva where they raised their family. They were blessed with three children, Ross, Amanda and Brandon.

Blane began working at Verendrye Electric as a lineman in 1979 until his retirement in 2019. The Velva community was important to Blane, he joined the Velva Volunteer Fire Department in 1987 and was an active member at the time of his death, he served as Chief of the fire department from 1997-1999. He was on the City of Velva building committee from 1999-2024 serving as president the last 9 years. Blane was also a member of the Harvey Eagles.

Blane had many talents, he was a jack of all trades, master of most. There was not a skill that he would not attempt to learn or a project that scared him away. He was a true “fixer man.” Even at a young age he helped at his dads Mobil gas station in Harvey.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending many hours of quality time with his family. His interest also included collecting many “treasures” that he may need someday.

Blanes loving family includes his wife Donna of 49 years; children Ross (Kristi Novak), Amanda (Michael Walp), Brandon (Ginger Tomlinson); grandchildren Kassidee (Christopher) Johnson, Derrick (Shanalle) Casey, McKenzie (Matthew Murrey) Keller, Halle (Kendra Kuhnhenn) Keller, Kaleb Krueger, Jack Tomlinson, Maliyah; Expected great grandchildren baby boy Murrey, baby girl Casey; siblings Brenda Keller (Vera Status), Randy Keller (Vic Peterson); mother and father in law Albert Sr and Luella Vetter; in laws Randy (Doreen) Vetter, Albert Jr (Brenda) Vetter, Brenda Pearson (god sister Annette Bacca), Clyde (Marilyn) Vetter, Robbie Vetter; bonus granddaughter’s Kerrigan Krueger, McKenna Foley, several nieces and nephews,

He was preceded in death by his parents and all his aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday February 22 2025 at 3 P.M. at Velva senior citizens center.

Burial: A private family committal service will take place.

www.thompsonlarson.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, February, 19, 2025.