Kenneth Lee Keller, Sr.

Kenneth Lee Keller, Sr., 82, of Lewisburg, entered into rest at 6:50 Friday morning, September 7, 2018, with his daughter, Jennifer, at his side at Riverwoods Nursing Facility in Lewisburg.

Known as Kenny to family and friends, his life began on December 7, 1935 in Bellefonte, PA.  He was the son of the late Harry Emanuel and Edna Cora (Young) Keller.  Kenny talked fondly of life growing up with 10 brothers and sisters.  During his childhood, the family moved to Buffalo, NY, where he attended school #1 until graduation. Later he met and married his wife, the late Joann Ida (Arcara) Keller on October 20, 1956.  Shortly after they were married, Kenny was drafted into the Army, where he actively served in Hawaii.  After he finished his time in the service, he was honorably discharged on June 8, 1960 and they returned to Buffalo, NY.  Kenny worked on the loading docks at Interstate Motor Freight for several years in Buffalo and took a transfer later to Milton, PA.  He worked for Interstate until they closed their doors at the White Deer terminal in 1984.

After Interstate, Kenny worked in plants 2 & 3 at Ritz-Craft Corporation until he retired from Plant 3 in 1997.  He enjoyed many friendships at Ritz-Craft and even now his friends ask about him and reminisce about working with Kenny in those days.

Kenny was always smiling and appreciated his life and family.  He started his days by saying, “It’s nice out” or “It’s a beautiful day in Pennsylvania”, no matter how the weather was outside.  Kenny is now happy to be reunited with his one and only love of his life, his wife Joann, who he affectionately called “Joanie”.  They spent most of their lives together living on Trutt Road in Winfield, PA.

Kenny was lovingly known as “Papa” to his five grandsons and all of their friends.  He so enjoyed participating in the cheering sections at any and all games and events they attended.  His loving and caring attitude was appreciated by everyone at the baseball, football, basketball and soccer games.  Kenny was so proud of each of his grandsons and spent as much time as he could with them, especially during retirement.  His grandsons so enjoyed the sleepover weekends with him and Nana (Joann) eating Little Ceasers Pizza, that he earned the nickname “Little Ceaser”.  Kenny also enjoyed spending time with his son-in-law, Tom.  They often went hunting and fishing together and somehow the big buck always got away.  Papa was really quite good at catching fish but would often spend his fishing time repairing lines and baiting hooks for the kids.

Remembering Kenny’s giving heart and many loving memories are his daughter, Jennifer Tull and son-in-law, Tom Tull of Lewisburg.  It was often said that Papa and Nana made raising five boys easier for Jennifer and Tom.  They were always willing to lend a hand with the grandchildren and help with their care.

And he will be deeply missed by his son, Kenneth Lee Keller, Jr., of Mifflinburg, PA.  Together, they would cheer on the Buffalo Bills almost every Sunday they were on TV.  They were both Dale Earnhardt fans and loved to watch the NASCAR races together with Lenny, Kenny’s other son, who passed away on September 17, 2017.

Kenny had a special place in his life and heart for his nephews Joseph and Robert Lattanzio and niece Adrienne Lattanzio Faron.  He and Joann gladly cared for Joseph, Robert and Adrienne at times during their childhood when the opportunity arose. He and Joann loved them dearly and they brought them much joy at that time in their lives.  Special memories were often shared of those times together.

Papa will be dearly missed by his five grandsons and their wives; Joseph and Amy Tull of Lewisburg, PA, Jan-Michael and Jackie Tull of Rice, MN, Carlton and Katie Tull of Downington, PA, Jacob and Lindsay Tull of Selinsgrove, PA and Darren and Erica Tull of Lewisburg, PA.  Kenny’s great grandchildren are Landon, Lilia and Lydia (children of Joe and Amy) and Dominik and Haven (children of Carlton and Katie).

Kenny will be missed by his siblings, Marlin Keller, Donna Bauer, Eleanore Schottmiller, Ward and Marlyn Keller, Thelma (Keller) Upper; his sister-in-laws, Kay Keller, Nina Keller; his brother-in-laws, Joseph Reap, John Greico, Dominic Lattanzio and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Joann, Kenny was preceded in death by his son, Leonard T. Keller; his brothers, Robert, Harry and Richard Keller; his sisters, Beverly Reap, Sharon (Keller) Prince, and Helen Greico; his brother-in-laws, Benjamin Bauer, Joseph Schottmiller, Gary Upper and Mickey Prince; his sister-in-laws, Roselia Keller and Carol Frances Arcara Lattanzio; his mother, Edna Cora (Young) Keller; his father, Harry Emanuel Keller, his mother-in-law, Jennie (Aronica) Arcara and his father-in-law, Joseph F. Arcara.

A life celebration service is planned for Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11:00 am at Adamo’s, 16 Walnut Street, Mifflinburg, with Pastor Doug Diven, officiating.

A military flag presentation will conclude the service by Thomas J. Reimensnyder, Chaplain of Mifflinburg American Legion, Post #410.