Date of Birth: June 25, 1924
Date of Death: December 1, 2015
KELLER – Val Keller of Melville, Sask., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 at St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Clara; his children, Darlene (Robert) Taylor and Garnet (Lori) Keller; his grandchildren, Stacey (Jim) Sereda, Angela (Aaron) Friggstad, Jordan (Crystal) Keller, Malori (Steve Smith) Keller and Hilary Keller; his great-grandchildren, Robbie, Evan and Emma Sereda and Kieran, Quinn and Eden Friggstad. He is also survived by his brothers, Albert and Alfred (Lily) Keller; and his sisters-in-law, Kathleen Keller and Marie Hack.
He was predeceased by his parents, Valentine and Katherine (Bieber); and his in-laws, Gustav and Katherine Banerd; his son, Kelly; and his great-grandson, Jonathan; brothers, Rheinold and Ernie; half-brothers, Jake, Philip, Peter, Jacob and Karl; half sisters, Emma, Maria, Lucy and Anna; many sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Valentine Arnold was born on June 25, 1924 at Lemberg, Sask. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and received his education at Roadside School.
On May 25, 1947, he married Clara Banerd. Together they farmed in the Lemberg district from 1947-56.
Val was employed at Swift Canadian Company until it closed in 1968. He then worked for Walter’s Garage and Melville Motors. In 1975, he quit his job and became a full-time grain and cattle farmer. He retired from this occupation when he was well over 80 years old.
Val was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, having served on church council several times. He enjoyed family gatherings, card games, ball games, having coffee with friends and spending time with his grandchildren.
Val’s funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Melville with the Rev. Kim Sherwin officiating. The eulogy was presented by Angela and Aaron Friggstad and Malori Keller read scripture. The organist, Gaylene Matthews, led in the hymns, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus” and “Jesus Still Lead On.”
Interment followed in the Melville City Cemetery with Jim Sereda, Garry Tank, Steve Smith, Jordan Keller, Robbie Sereda and Aaron Friggstad acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
