Norbert J. Keller

Keller, Norbert J. DEERFIELD Norbert J. Keller, age 73, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008, following a long fight with cancer. He was born on Oct. 9, 1934, in Perry township, the son of John and Veronica (Meier) Keller. Norbert married Elizabeth "Betty" Deneen on Oct. 1, 1960. His military career included 26 years, in which he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war and in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam war, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. Norbert retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1978, and began employment with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Madison, retiring in 1996. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9362, American Legion Post No. 333, and NARFE Chapter 120. Survivors include Norberts wife, Betty; sons, Jeff of Madison, Jay of Sun Prairie, and Jon (Beth Schaecher) of Geneva, Ill.; daughters, Jill (Louie Lawrence) of Madison and Jana (Daniel Ditter) of Middleton; grandsons, Matthew and Mitchell of Geneva, Ill.; two daughters by a previous marriage, Veronica (Robert) Dallman and Valerie (Tom) Scott; sisters, Evelyn Kaul and Velma (Roy) Baxter; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Larry, Alvin, and Russell; and two sisters, Doris Zwettler and Darlene Brodd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, with Monsignor Raymond Kertz presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a pass and review conducted by V.F.W. Post No. 9362, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008, and at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. His fun loving spirit touched many. Norbert will be dearly missed by his wife, children, sisters, and many others.