Stuart Keller

STERLING- Stuart Y. Keller, 83, died peacefully on, Friday, September 12, 2014 surrounded by his loved ones, after a brief illness. He was a teacher for forty-seven years starting at Woodstock High School where he also coached football, then teaching at Eastern Illinois University and Sauk Valley Community College. Prior to retirement he taught at Newman High School until 2009. Stuart was born May 6, 1931 in Elgin. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War as a flight crew member. He married Anne Richardson on October 31, 1954. He received his undergrad degree from Eastern Illinois University and received his Master's degree in physics from Highland University in New Mexico. He took great pride and acknowledged the accomplishments of his students. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and students. Stuart was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rock Falls and American Legion Post 296. Survivors include his wife Anne; three daughters Elizabeth Barnhart of Mt. Morris, Kathleen (Gerald) Ford of Dixon, Amy (Ron) Smith; one son, Stuart (Dr. Kathryn) Keller, Jr., of Greenwood, IN; ten grandchildren, Samantha Smith, Tabitha Smith and Zachary Smith, all of Oregon, Joshua Smith of Royal Oak, MI, 1st Lt. Nicholas Smith of Tacoma, WA and Joseph and Michael Keller of Greenwood, IN, Rebecca (Nathan) Grund of Saskatoon, SK, Edward (Laura) Ford of Dixon and Jacob (Whitney) Ford of Larkspur, CA; four great-grandchildren, Jillian, Ella, Jonathen and Harper. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling with the Reverend Daniel Behmlander, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rock Falls, officiating. Burial with military rites will be held at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be held from 3-6 PM Monday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rock Falls or to Newman High School. Condolences may be sent to schillingfuneralhome.com.