MADISON- Mary Louise Keller, age 90, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon, September 30, 2025, at UW Hospital and Clinics. She was a strong and independent woman whose quiet strength guided her family throughout the years. She was a beloved mother and grandmother, and her love and presence will be deeply missed.

Mary was born on September 7, 1935, in Argyle, the daughter of Lloyd and Erma (Olson) Skaalen. She spent her early years in Argyle before moving to Stoughton with her family. She graduated from Stoughton High School in 1953 and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1957 with a degree in criminology. While there, she was a proud member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority.

She went on to build a career with Procter & Gamble in their research department and later with Northern Trust in investment market research. In 1967, Mary married Daniel Franklin Keller IV in Stoughton.

Mary had many passions in life. She loved sports, traveling, music, and the arts. She spent countless hours tending to her yard and flower beds, and she found joy in cooking and baking for her family. A loyal Badgers and Packers fan, she rarely missed a game. She also kept her mind sharp by tackling the crosswords and cryptograms in the daily paper. Above all, Mary cherished time with her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Susan (Mark) Polentini; son, Franklin Keller; grandchildren, Anthony, Sam, and Joey Polentini, and David, John, Thomas, Mark, Daniel, Michael and Rachel Keller; and sister-in-law, Cynthia Skaalen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel, in 1976; parents, Lloyd and Erma; and brother, Peter Skaalen Sr.

Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. A funeral service will be held at MIDVALE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4329 Tokay Blvd., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, with the Rev. Blake Rohrer presiding. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Stoughton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Mary Louise (Skaalen) Keller

September 07, 1935 - September 30, 2025

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