Paul G. Keller
Obituary's Biography:
Col. Paul G. Keller, AUS Ret., age 95, of Grayslake, IL, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Libertyville Manor in Libertyville, IL. Born on October 2, 1921, Paul graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1940 and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1949 with a bachelor of science degree in biology and mathematics. He received his Masters of Science degree in 1955 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. On November 1, 1943, he married Jaunita Jones in the Old Post Chapel at Fort Sill, OK, and they were married 57 years, until she passed in 2001. They had two sons and a daughter. From 2002 to 2009, he had been a companion of Mariella Manville. After college, Paul taught biology at Grayslake High School in Illinois, until he retired in 1983. In addition he was varsity boys and girls tennis coach. In high school he had served as tennis captain during his senior year and was undefeated all season, winning the conference singles championship. In college he was tennis captain 1947-1949, was undefeated in conference competition, and won the state championship all four years. He was the first tennis player to be inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Athletic Hall of Fame. He served as a teaching professional for over 25 years. Paul was called into military service in July of 1942, graduating from OCS as a Second Lieutenant Field Artillery at Fort Sill, OK on May 6, 1943. He served four years in the U.S. and China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. Upon discharge he remained in the Active Reserve, was recalled to duty during the Korean War, 1951-1952, and served in Korea. He was retired as a Colonel after 37 years of active duty and Active Reserve and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. Paul was a member of St. Andrew Episcopal Church, Grayslake, IL and Trinity Lutheran Church in Ingleside. Survivors include his wife, Gretchen Gae Keller; his children, William Keller, Chloride, AZ, David Keller, Londonderry, NH, and Diana Barron of Grayslake, IL; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends of the family may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 5, 2017 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 East Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Strang Funeral Chapel at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 West Hoff Road, Elwood, IL. For information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.strangfuneral.org.
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mr keller will be preciously remembered and always loved by so many prayers to the family
Paul Keller and his wife were good friends of my parents Lorene and Roy Anderson. We also attended St Andrews Church. All my children went to GL high school when he taught there his memory will be held by my family with tender thoughts. Goodbye Mr. Keller
Mr. Keller, May God keep you in His loving arms and grace. You were truly one of my favorite teachers at GCHS. My condolences to the Keller family.
I had the privilege of teaching with Paul for many years. He was a good teacher and coach. He will be missed.
Mr Keller lived a very long life, I hope he enjoyed every bit of it, sounds like he was a very busy man, so many accomplishments throughout his long life, I so enjoyed him in High School one of few teachers that I liked, Biology was not a subject that I enjoyed but it was required, I named it Bugology, I didn’t have to dissect anything, couldn’t stomach it, and he was gracious enough to understand and allowed me that respect. He earned respect because he was truly a very great man. I am so glad he enjoyed his life, until Libertyville Manor , that was a good nursing home years ago, hope it still remained that to this day. You have earned your rest Mr Keller, may God keep you in his loving care, Bless You and your eternal rest.
Gretchen, Please accept our deepest sympathy in the passing of Paul. I shared many lunches with him as teachers at GCHS. We were planning on attending his wake but that day I developed very painful gout in my left wrist and hand; the hand was immovable. Doctor advised me to rest the arm for several days which I am now doing. I always looked forward to seeing both of you at Trinity when I was the guest pianist for the Sunday services. We always exchanged good Sunday conversations. I shall miss this. Paul was well-respected at GCHS. He championed an excellent tennis program for many athletes. I used to enjoy seeing him smile when we enjoyed cheery lunch times at school. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and everlasting reward. Prayers go out to you and Paul’s family.
I just heard of his passing today. I remember him at GCHS and most recently renewed acquaintances at Hasting Lake YMCA. He remembered me from my high school days before I actually met him. He was a good man.