Obituary: Peter L. Keller

Peter L. Keller, 69, lost a multi-year battle with salvatory gland and brain cancer on October 12, 2023.

Peter Lindsay Keller, Appleton WI, was born on June 6, 1954, in Green Bay WI, to Rueben L. and Helen E. (Enneper) Keller. He was the fourth of five children. Peter was confirmed at Zion United Methodist Church, Forest Junction WI, as part of the Class of 1968. Growing up, Peter tinkered on auto engines, his car, motorcycle, and snowmobile.

Peter graduated from Brillion High School, Class of 1972, where he participated in wrestling, football, band, F.F.A., and baseball.

Peter obtained Associate Degrees in Applied Science in Electronics (1978) and Computer Information Systems (2002), a Technical Diploma in Electronics Servicing (1979), and Truck Driver Training (2013), as well as taking culinary arts classes (1979), all at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton.

Peter was involved in the singles group at Calvary Bible Church, Neenah, WI, where he made lifelong friends, had lots of fun, and met his future wife, Ann M. Rohde. Peter and Ann were married on October 13, 1995, at Zion United Methodist Church, Forest Junction, WI.

Peter’s favorite hobby was spending time with his wife Ann, who he called “Cutie.” Peter and Ann adopted two rescue horses in 2006, “Brownie” and “Ice Cream.” Together they tamed the horses for trail riding, but they were mostly pets. Peter and Ann’s life together was also enriched by their beloved golden retriever “Bozo,” as well as camping trips to family reunions around the United States that included visits to national parks along the way. Peter obtained a private pilot’s license after college. He also enjoyed tinkering and fixing things, especially his house and his vehicles.

Peter’s working career included Keller Implement; a stationary grinder at Brillion Iron Works; Electronic Technician at Electronic Assembly and Rockwell International; chef at Michiels; pursued counting cards playing black jack; auto mechanic at Enneper Garage; photo copier repair, day-trading; and a truck driver for Swift Transportation, Roehl Transport, and Schneider National.

Survivors include Peter’s sister Nola Feldkamp, brothers Robert J. Keller, Richard (Connie) Keller, and Kurt (Lisa) Keller; sister-in-law Carol (Bill) Keller-Vlangas; nieces and nephews, Greg (Julia) Feldkamp, Erica (John) Witte, Robert (Krista) Keller, Evan (Karen) Keller, Daniel (Vikki) Keller, Stephen (Jennifer) Keller, Jeremy Keller, and Katharina Keller, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Survivors on the Rohde side include father-in-law Ralph J. Rohde; brothers-in-law Paul Rohde (Carroll Noel), John (Stephanie) Rohde, Bill (Lia) Rohde; nieces and nephews Taylor Camelio; Jenna, Sam, and Emily Rohde; and Julia and Andrew Rohde.

Peter was preceded in death by his father Rueben, mother Helen, brother-in-law Paul Feldkamp, and sister-in-law Kathleen (Corr) Keller [Richard]; niece-in-law Lindsay (Joiner) Keller [Stephen].

Preceded in death on the Rohde side include his wife Ann M. Keller and mother-in-law Helen J. (Aili) Rohde.

Services will be at Calvary Bible Church, 1450 Oakridge Road, Neenah, WI on Thursday, October 19, 2023, starting with visitation at 2:00 pm, funeral services at 4:00 pm, followed by a luncheon.

The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Peter’s family gives their heartfelt thanks to the friends, neighbors, and church members who provided meals, prayers, and encouragement; as well as the staffs at ThedaCare Cancer Center, ThedaCare Hospice, and Meadowbrook at Appleton Senior Care Center for their care and comfort.