Robert "Bob" Ross Keller, 86, passed away in Cando, North Dakota on January 15, 2021. A celebration of Bob's life will be held in June of 2021 when it is safer for family and friends from across the country to travel and be together. Details of the celebration will be announced at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to the Bisbee Presbyterian Cemetery Fund.

Bob was born on December 19, 1934 in Rolette, North Dakota to Mildred (Shaw) and Ross Keller.  Bob was the middle child with older brother, Charles, and younger brother, John.  Bob grew up in Bisbee and graduated from Bisbee High School in 1952.  A notorious speller but an accomplished artist, Bob once drew a cow instead of attempting to write the word during grammar school. Following high school, Bob attended trade school in St. Cloud, MN to learn the art of bricklaying.

Bob met his wife of 42 years, Beverly (Cowley) at the Chocolate Shop in Bisbee when she was visiting a friend from nurse's training.  They were married in Ambrose, ND on October 20, 1956.  They spent their married life in Bisbee until Bev's death in 1999.

Bob was a skilled craftsman and owned and operated Keller Masonry for many years. Bob and Bev had five children, Ross (Paula), Scott (Trici), Roberta Kramer (Jeff), Frank (Vicky) and Jack (Lynn).  At one time all four sons worked for him on job sites and Roberta was the Keller Masonry bookkeeper.  Bob was famous for his insistence that each son begin "at the bottom" and rarely did they work themselves up!  Over the years Bob had the pleasure of developing life-lasting relationships with those who worked with him – Frank Parker, Glenn Hochstettler, Mark Johnson, Jimmy Azure, Gene Azure, Jimmy Keller, Finn Abrahamson, and Eddie Christopherson.  These relationships as well as those he developed with his clients meant the world to him. From post offices to banks to home fireplaces, Bob shared his craft with many.  His children always groaned as he would point out all that was wrong with brick and block work that he didn't do. One of Bob's greatest attributes was his ability to teach and mentor others about the importance of hard, honest work.

Bob loved Bisbee!  He was a charter member of the Bisbee Curling Club and introduced the sport to many, including all five children. At one time he served as president of the Bisbee Commercial Club and played a role in the 1976 Bi-Centennial.  Bob was a 50 plus year member of the Cando Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Shriners, Eastern Star, Jesters, and Scottish Rite.  For many years Bob served on the session of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church and continued to serve as the sexton of the church cemetery until his death. Bob's love for the Twins and Vikings was only surpassed by his feelings for the local high school teams, Bisbee Chiefs, B-E Panthers and North Star Bearcats.

Bob married Avis Westlind Berg in November of 2000.  Avis passed away in November of 2019.  They wintered in Texas, traveled abroad, and played innumerable rounds of golf.  Bob loved Avis' daughters, Joni and Candi, and daughter-in-law, Lynda, like his own.

Bob is survived by his children and their spouses, grandchildren Dana Larkin, Andrea Votava, Kallyn Gettel, Paige Peres, Nate Keller, Andrew Kramer, Ethan Kramer, Austin Keller, Quinn Keller, Skylar Keller, and Isabella Keller; Great-grandchildren Tiana Votava, Kason Buchholtz, Rylan Buchholtz, Jordan Johnson, Evan Johnson, Allianna Larkin, Lillyann Larkin, and James Fortman; Brother John and Linda Keller; sisters-in-law Yvonne Gorecki and Gloria Cowley; nieces Debbie Carter, Desiree Wallace, Cheryl Johnson, Rochelle Arneson; nephews David Keller and Michael Cowley; dear friends, Dave and Marie Wolsky and Katie and Bobby and Bonnie and Fenn Dickinson; and several godchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Beverly and his wife Avis, his parents, brother Charles, sister-in-law Shirley, daughter-in-law Kay Keller, nephews Chip and Adam Keller, great-granddaughter Anja Gettel, and Ella and Ole Lyster.