Robert Levi (Lee) Keller, 91 of Helena, died from natural causes on October 17, 2011. He was born on April 28, 1920 in Fishtail, Montana to William and Mary (Yates) Keller and was raised in Great Falls, Montana.
Bob was a veteran of WWII. As a member of the 8th Air Force, he was a tail gunner on a B24 Bomber. He flew numerous missions in Europe and was honorably discharged from the 814th Bomb Squadron as a Staff Sergeant in 1945. Bob carried around flack from those missions. It is a testament to Bob and all Veterans for their service and commitment to the United States.
After the war, Bob went to drafting school to further his knowledge in the Construction Industry. In 1946, Bob married Peggy Jean Conlin. They had 4 children and moved from Great Falls to Helena in 1960. He started Highland Homes Construction, building several homes in the South East portion of Helena and in the Treasure State Acres area. He went on to work for and retired from the Department of Urban Development (HUD). He also taught the Apprenticeship Carpenters in Helena for many years.
Bob loved to hunt and fish and train dogs. In his later years, he found his favorite hobby of gardening, which he enjoyed until his death. He was a charter member of the Treasure State Retriever Club and past member of the Knights of Columbus and Helena Mended Hearts.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Peggy, sons Jeff and Michael Keller, Sisters Nettie and Bette, Brother Alvin, nephew Jim Keller and his second wife Ellen.
Bob is survived by his son Mark (Lynn) Keller and his daughter Shelly Filer and several grandkids, great grandkids and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a very special Sister-in-law Kay Keller of Belgrade and brother-in-law Bob Ball of Great Falls along with special friends Caroline Bolema of Michigan and his long time hunting and fishing partner Dr. Robert Casey of Great Falls.
Memorials can be sent to Hospice of St Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway in Helena Montana 59601.
Services will be held at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church at 120 W. Riggs in East Helena on Thursday at 1:00. A light luncheon will be held after the service. Burial with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Bob, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Blake Kober says
I have fond memories of my great uncle Bob and Peggy. Uncle Bob will be greatly missed and I wish the best for the family.
Thomas Filer says
Coreyann, Laniya && Rahmiya says
We love you!
Constance Griffith says
Dear Mark and Shelly,
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I know you will miss him dearly, and I’m sure you will cherish his memory.
It is times like these that we need much in the way of support and comfort, and I look to God’s Word the Bible for both, and I find scriptures such as 2Corinthians 1:3,4 which shows how the “God of Comfort” will give you the courage and strength to cope. Psalms 55:22 assures us of God’s love by allowing us to throw all of our burdens on him, and in both John 11:25 and John 5:28,29 Jesus promises to resurrect our dear loved ones.
May these scriptures help you as they have for me. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in this most difficult time.
shelly filer says
I will miss you dad.Im glad i got to share the last moments as you took the hand of god
Brent Kober says
I have many fond and cherished memories of my Great Uncle Bob and Aunt Peggy spending time in Helena as small child. I will never forget discharging your 22 dog training revolver, glad it had blanks. Time passes by quickly and I will miss you very much , I wish that I could have gotten in that fishing trip I asked about but you reminded me that around the Missoula area there is great fishing. Love and prayers to the Keller Family,
your great nephew Brent Kober and family.