Betty M. Keller

Keller, Betty M. OREGON-Betty M. Keller, age 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2014, with her loving sister at her side. Betty’s fun, lively and kind spirit will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Betty was born Elizabeth (Betty) Magdalena Keller in Hollandale, Wis. on Nov. 2, 1920. Her parents Alfred and Elise (Schmid) Keller emigrated from Switzerland to Wisconsin. Betty grew up on the family’s dairy farm on Fish Hatchery Road in Madison with two brothers and three sisters. She graduated from Madison West High School in 1939. Her stunning features and interest in cosmetology and hair styling prompted her to go to modeling school in New York City. Ultimately, her love of animals led her back to Madison and became the focus of her career. In the early years, in addition to working on the family’s farm, Betty also helped with research at the Fish Hatchery. In 1969, she and her brother, Al and sister, Dora, moved the farm to Oregon and built one of the first free stall barns in the area with an automated milking parlor. Until Al’s death in 1976, they also operated Country Boy Dairy in Stoughton, which included four retail stores. Betty’s skill in observation and attention to each animal’s needs, interest in genetic improvement and new technology, along with tireless work ethic, helped to develop one of the highest quality producing herds in the state. As president of Alpine Dairy, she shared her knowledge and experience by allowing many university and school groups to study their dairy operation. Agriculture leaders from around the world visited and the Kellers hosted students from the Korean Agricultural Training Program. In 1991, Alpine Dairy farm was selected as the host for Dane County’s “Breakfast on the Farm” and more than 6,000 people attended. The next year, Alpine Dairy hosted a three-day camp for more than 80 Girl Scouts from 36 states. In 1996, the Kellers received the FFA Distinguished Service Award. After retiring from dairy farming, her love for animals and nature continued with a focus on her dogs, cats and gardens. Betty is survived by two sisters, Dora Keller of Oregon and Olga (Peter) Robbins of Waukesha; sister-in-law, Beatrice Keller of Zurich, Switzerland; and six nieces and nephews, Erica (Dennis) Borbe-Voss of Two Dot, Mont., Herbert Borbe Jr. of Marana, Ariz., Bettina and Richard Keller of Zurich, Peter (Leslie) Robbins of Los Angeles and Lisa Robbins of Milwaukee. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Elise Keller; brothers, Alfred Keller Jr. and Robert Keller; and sister, Martha (Herbert) Borbe. A Memorial Service will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 7 p.m., on Monday, June 30, 2014. A private burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park at a later date. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Memorials to the Henry Vilas Park Zoological Society, Olbrich Botanical Gardens or Bethel Lutheran Church would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608)835-3515