Jack Keller

Jack Keller, 79, of Port Barrington, IL, formerly of Beecher, IL, passed away February 24, 2014 at his home. He was born April 12, 1934 in Springfield, IL to Melvin and Alice Elizabeth (nee Weeks) Keller. Jack graduated from Edwardsville, IL high school and served in the U. S. Army from 1953-55, primarily in Germany. He graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1960 and became a teacher. He later earned a Master’s degree in Education from Indiana University. Jack was a teacher, principal and Superintendent of Schools for the Beecher, IL school district from 1962 until his retirement in 1992. He and his family are proud of the legacy that he left by helping to prepare students in Beecher for their future, whether it be college or a vocation. Jack enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing, playing cards and craps, having cocktails with friends, and he was a voracious reader. Jack is survived by his wife Edrene Keller (nee Dudek), his children Kurt (Julie) Keller and Kathy Lawler, his grandchildren Lucas, Kaitlin and Remi Keller, Steven (Elizabeth) Kriske, Kurtis Lawler and Jon King, his great-grandchildren Keira and Mikaela Kriske and Brayden King, sisters Judith (Harry) Keller Hiza and Lucy O’Connor McManus, brother Kevin (Melanie) Meyers, and aunt Dorothy Weeks. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Patricia Keller Barinotti and Diana O’Connor, and brother Charles O’Connor. The Visitation will be held at Hack’s Funeral Home, 753 Hodges Street, Beecher, IL 60401 on Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. with the Memorial Service starting at 2:00 P.M. There will be a gathering immediately after the Memorial Service at the Beecher Amvets’ Hall, 532 Gould Street, Beecher, IL 60401, and all are welcome. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421 at 10:45 A.M. on Monday March 17, 2014. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jack Keller Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Beecher Scholarship Association, P.O. Box 457, Beecher, IL 60401 or on line at www.beecherscholarships.org.