Thomas J. Keller

Frankenmuth, MI

Passed away peacefully Thursday, August 18, 2022, at his home; age 79 years. Thomas John Keller was born in Saginaw on July 24, 1943 to the late Ida and Ottomer Keller. Tom spent his early years in Birch Run, Michigan and Frankenmuth, Michigan. He graduated from Birch Run High School in 1961.

In the fall of 1961, Tom began his studies at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. It was at CMU where Tom met the love of his life, wife Beth. While at CMU, Tom was a member and officer of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. In 1965, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and completed U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training.

After his graduation from CMU, Tom and Beth were stationed at the Army Base in Fort Story, Virginia. While serving in the Army's Transportation Corps, Tom was promoted to a First Lieutenant and as a Company Commander, earned the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

After his service in the Army, Tom and Beth returned home to begin their civilian life in Birch Run, Michigan. Tom began a 30-year career at the Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance Company. Tom was a pillar of the Birch Run community, serving on both the Village Council and as a Volunteer Fireman. At this time, he was also the Assistant Fire Chief for the Saginaw County Fire Service.

In 1968, Tom and Beth added son Jeff to their family and in 1972 daughter Jennie was born. In 1978, Tom and Beth moved to Frankenmuth, Michigan. Tom and Beth would put down roots in Frankenmuth until the present day, serving in various community and church organizations.

Tom would serve Frankenmuth as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician, on the council of St. John's Lutheran Church and as a member of the choir at their current church St. Lorenz Lutheran. Some of his favorite loves included spending time with cherished grandchildren Ava and Keller, golfing and playing volleyball with his longtime volleyball crew. His love of history and military service was represented by his involvement with the 11.11.11 Organization.

Besides his wife Beth, Tom is survived by his son Jeff (Marilyn) Keller; daughter Jennie (Jarrod) Cooper; grandchildren Ava Standish, Keller Standish, Jessica (Herbert) Khantiok, Abraham Cooper, Emily (Wyatt) Tuohimaa, Henry, Ruby, and Clara Cooper; and brother Jerry (Donna) Keller.

Memorial Service will take place at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan.  Rev. Shawn Fenske will officiate.  Cremation has taken place. Tom's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Michigan Heroes Museum, Wellspring Lutheran Services Hospice, or St. Lorenz Media Ministry.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Tom's numerous caregivers including Theresa, Bonnie, and Traci.