Margaret Mary Keller

Born February 9, 1941, in Marquette, a daughter of Robert E. and Elizabeth H. (Meisch) O’Neill, Margaret was raised in Marquette and graduated from Bishop Baraga High School, Class of 1959. On February 20, 1960, Margaret was united in marriage to Gerald Albert Keller at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Marquette. The couple made their first home in Beaver Grove where Margaret became a child care provider. She loved children and provided care for well over 50 years to a number of children, sometimes even in the homes of some of her clients. Even many of her grandkids, nieces and nephews, were among those who received her excellent care. She became a part of many families and they in turn became part of hers. Kids were her whole life and it was her place of fulfillment and joy. In her leisure moments, Margaret was an avid reader, loved to travel, and enjoyed visiting the children she helped raise. She especially enjoyed attending church at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey where she was a member. In earlier years, Margaret and her sisters enjoyed frequent get-togethers where they played cards at each other’s homes, often getting so involved in their discussions they forgot who dealt next. However, it was the family ties that mattered most and family was all important.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Gerald; her children, David (Lori) Keller of Whitehouse, TN, Dianne (Jay) Brady of Marquette, and Kevin Keller of Skandia; her grandchildren, Justin (Sarah) McGuire, Ryan and Nolan Keller, Jenna and Nicole Keller; great-grandkids, Madilyn McGuire, Gunner, Kyla, and Braelynn Keller; her sisters, Eileen O’Neill of Marquette and Maureen (Robert) Hofer of Negaunee; a sister-in-law, Gail O’Neill of Beach Park, IL; brother-in-law, Fred Melka of Negaunee; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by an infant sister, Eleanor O’Neill; and siblings and their spouses, Patricia (the late Ralph Bigger and Fred Eggli) Bigger, Roberta (the late Dan) Zorza, Geraldine Melka, John O’Neill, and Emmett O’Neill.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Thursday, June 10, beginning at 11:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm with Rev. Glenn Theoret, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in Fr. Gauthier Hall. Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3224 US Highway 41 West, #180, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.