Fay A. Keller, age 84 of Clintonville, passed away on Thursday evening, May 25, 2023 at ThedaCare Medical Center, Shawano.
Fay Aline Keller was born June 20, 1938 near Lengby, MN, daughter to the late Bennie M. & Leona B. (Handyside) Myhre. Her childhood was spent on the family farm where she enjoyed horseback riding, training her Collie “Lady,” and working with her beloved father. She attended school in Fosston, MN graduating with the class of 1956, and later worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis. Fay was united in marriage with Carl T. Keller on October 5, 1957, in her hometown of Lengby, MN. The couple then lived in Clintonville where they raised a family and owned and operated Keller’s Appliance for many years. In addition to being devoted to her children, she was an integral part of the appliance store, taking care of the bookkeeping and demonstrating appliances for clients. She eventually managed a gift shop within the store, which specialized in lead crystal collections, fine China, wall décor, and other keepsakes. Fay and Carl worked well together, both in business and as a family; their strengths and weaknesses complemented one another, creating a union lasting nearly 57 years. She loved to travel. They cherished their honeymoon in Hawaii, returning many times over the years, as well as visiting several foreign countries both for business and leisure. Fay orchestrated family vacations exploring U.S. national parks, museums, and many other places around the country. Fay and Carl traveled with the Packard that was with them from wedding day, bringing newborns home, to Sandy Beach and ice cream on hot summer Sundays, along with car shows, which became their shared passion. She was an active member of Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville, served on many projects within the church, and was strong in her faith in Jesus. Fay had a love of birds and flowers. She and Carl enjoyed watching the birds they fed at the house they built together. After Carl’s passing, Fay found comfort continuing these past-times. Her children will remember her spunky personality, strong-will and common-sense; her ability to listen, and work through any problems, offering advice along the way. Fay had a gift for helping others. She was inspirational to her children, allowing them to reach their full potential. She will also be remembered for her infectious laughter and the love she showed to everyone in her life.
Fay is survived by:
Daughters: Linda Harris, Clintonville; Ellen Heldt, Tulsa, OK; & Ann (Jim) Schneider, Menomonie
Son: Brian (Tammy) Keller, Clintonville
Grandchildren: Steve Harris, Jeff Harris, Nathan Hahn, Ryan Heldt, Evan (Morgan) Heldt, Tim (Jasmine) Schneider, James Schneider, Brandon Schneider, & Nick (Tiffany) Schneider
Great-grandchildren: Eliana, Aria, Jordan, Jaylin, Sophia, A.J., Octavia, Andrea, Skylar, & Aria
Sister: Lorraine Huber, Clintonville
Brother: Bennie “Clyde” (Yvonne) Myhre, Corning, CA
Fay was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl T. Keller; grandchildren, Barbara, Kevin, & Robert Harris, in infancy; & a brother-in-law, Stewart Huber.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Brian Crocker officiating. Interment will take place following the service at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville.
Visitation will begin on Thursday at the church from 9AM until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fay’s name are preferred to be directed to the Christus Memorial Church Camp.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Keller family.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.