Jerome "Jerry" Allen Keller

In the early morning hours of August 14, 2015, Jerry slipped from his life on earth to the glorious realms of Heaven and all its beauty. A huge hole was created in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, never to be filled.

Jerome Allen Keller was born March 22, 1943 in Devils Lake, ND the son of Jerome and Alice (Robertson) Keller. He was raised in Esmond, ND on the family farm. He graduated from Esmond High School May 26, 1961. He went on to attend Mayville State College and graduated from UND-Ellendale Branch with a B.S.in Education June 2, 1967. Jerry later obtained his Masters Degree in Education December 20, 1970 from UND.

Jerry began his teaching career at Harbour View School in Huntington Beach, CA. He taught at Grimsrud Elementary and Wachter Middle Schools in Bismarck, ND and on the Indian Reservation at Cannon Ball, ND where he had the honor of teaching with his beloved mother Alice. It is here where NBC TV came to film his classroom and the Minneapolis Tribune newspaper published a story about Jerry and the school discarding conventional ways of teaching the students; replacing it with new techniques advocated by the New School of Behavioral Studies in Education at UND. This resulted in higher test scores and attendance rates climbed to 97% by the students.

After 7 years of teaching, his heart drew him into the world of Sales. This is where his passion emerged. He was the owner and operator of Remmington Steel for 40 years. He invented and manufactured the hydraulic door that he distributed with his all steel commercial metal buildings. Never one to slow down, he often said "as long as my phone rings, I will continue to do business". He took tremendous pride in the quality of his work-everything done to perfection. There wasn't a customer who didn't turn into a good friend after the sale was completed. He always had time to talk with anyone, which he so enjoyed doing. He spoke his mind, never one to hold back. This is what made his business so successful. He was honest, hardworking and straightforward. "Is this fair?" was often heard from him.

In the fall of 1990, he met his soul mate, Linda Gill. Fate would bring them together, mutual love and respect kept them together for 25 years. She had no idea she would be on the ride of her life with him at her side.

Early in their life together they made their home in Fargo, ND, before moving to their lake home on Turtle Lake in MN. Here is where they would enjoy riding bike around the lake, fishing and "happy hour" with the neighbors. After 7 years on the lake, they moved to West Fargo, ND where they were currently residing.

Jerry lived life to the fullest. He hit the road hard and never looked back. Many summers were spent on the waters of Detroit Lakes, MN and Buffalo Lake ND. This is where he couldn't get enough water skiing, fishing and enjoying his beer.

An avid private pilot, he introduced Linda to his love of flying in his Cessna 172 airplane. Many hours were logged flying around the country. If there wasn't an airport to land at, no problem, he would just set the plane down on a gravel road.

Jerry's life was peppered with many of his favorite things. His love of travel took him all over the US and abroad. Every city and country was an adventure. There wasn't one card game he did not enjoy playing. Pinochle was his favorite, leading to many games lasting well into the wee hours of the morning. He also enjoyed gambling, cribbage, hunting, snow skiing, sporting events, a good movie and dancing. He was a fantastic dancer. His best dance partner was his sister Jane. Together they would take first place in a dance contest in Ohio.

He packed a lot into his 72 years here on earth. He had an infectious laugh that could be heard whenever he entered a room. He was a generous man with his time, talents and money. He had a personality bigger than life and always had a great story or joke to tell. His hometown of Esmond, ND was his pride and joy. He returned often to visit many family and friends. His love of teaching would continue well past the years in the classroom. Eager to teach many a new card game, how to fish, use a certain tool or operate a piece of machinery and many other things, kept him young and active. If he didn't know how to do something, he wasn't afraid to seek out someone who could teach him. The last few years, he went south for the winters to Arizona, Texas, Nevada and Mexico.

He is survived by his soul mate, Linda Gill, West Fargo, ND; his sister, Jane Danduran, Columbus, OH; a nephew, Larry Danduran; two nieces, Rachel Andersen and Anna Kolliopoulos; two uncles, Tony Keller and Joseph Keller and an aunt, Christine Rowe; as well as numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. His spirit will live on forever with all of them. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.