Dora M. Keller

OREGON - Dora M. Keller, cherished for her kindness, generosity and caring spirit, passed away on October 12, 2024, just days before her 103rd birthday. Born on October 15, 1921, in Hollandale, Wis., she was a beautiful person inside and out and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and neighbors.

Dora’s parents, Alfred and Elise (Schmid) Keller, emigrated from Switzerland, eventually settling on a farm on Fish Hatchery Road in Madison, Wis. Dora was the second of four sisters and two brothers, and she grew up helping on the family farm.

In her early years, Dora developed a lifelong passion for music and dancing. She and her sister, Martha, both played accordions, and their sister, Olga, accompanied them in song in a Swiss band. Dora's talent for ballroom dancing earned her several trophies. She also expressed her creativity through fashion and home decorating, always making holidays and special occasions memorable with unique touches. Her culinary skills were equally impressive, with chicken a la king being one of her signature dishes.

Dora had a keen interest in health foods and supplements and was fascinated by alternative medicines and therapies. She enjoyed traveling and had a deep love for animals, particularly her many pet dogs and cats.

Dora graduated from West High School in 1939 and studied at Madison Business College. She had a gift for numbers and started her career as a bookkeeper for the Bowman Dairy. Next, she worked at the Burkhalter Music Center, and then at the Production Credit Association.

In 1969, Dora joined her brother, Al, and sister, Betty, as secretary and treasurer of Alpine Dairy. The family had relocated their farm from Madison to Oregon. Dora managed the baby calf herd and played a pivotal role in creating one of the most productive herds in Wisconsin.

In 1991, 6,000 visitors came to Alpine Dairy for the “Breakfast on the Farm.” The next year, they hosted a three-day camp for Girl Scouts from 36 states. In 1996, the Kellers received the FFA Distinguished Service Award. In addition, Alpine welcomed students from the Korean Agricultural Training Program and agricultural leaders from around the world. The family helped establish Keller-Alpine Meadows Park in Oregon, as well as nearby bike trails.

Dora is survived by her sister, Olga (Peter) Robbins; six nieces and nephews, Erica (Dennis) Borbe-Voss, Herbert Borbe Jr., Bettina Keller, Richard Keller, Peter M. Robbins (Leslie Delano), and Lisa Robbins (Joe Nadolny). She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Elise Keller; brother, Alfred Keller Jr.; sister, Martha Borbe and her husband, Herbert; sister, Betty Keller; brother, Robert Keller and his wife, Beatrice; and brother-in-law, Peter P. Robbins.

Dora’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to her many wonderful caregivers over the years.

Per Dora’s wishes, there will be no public funeral. She will be buried at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Dane County Humane Society are appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515