Virgil Keller

Virgil Keller passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family after a short but courageous battle with cancer on July 20th, 2026. He was born at home in Avon, on November 23rd, 1938 to Ralph and Pearl Keller of Avon, WI. Before marring Judy Bliss on July 7th, 1963, they spent many hours together building their own home and then went on to enjoy 63 years of marriage. Together they have 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. Virgil graduated from Brodhead High School in the class of 1956, then entered the Army and spent time in Korea. Upon returning from Korea he was employed at Knight Manufacturing, from there he became self-employed doing roofing, then started his custom butchering business that he continued for over 30 years before retiring. He very much enjoyed going farm to farm meeting many hard working farmers that later would become friends. If you knew "Killer Keller" you knew Virgil. He was an avid outdoors person and always looked forward to the hunting and fishing seasons. He made many wonderful memories during his annual family vacations in the Northwoods. His family meant the world to him and this was a place for one week, where they could spend all their time together with lots of fishing, casino time, and sitting around the campfire. His grandsons were the apple of his eye, always attending the many sporting events they participated in, along with teaching them many of his values and sharing all his knowledge with them. The saying goes "Grandpa always knows". If he wasn't hunting or fishing, you would always find him in the woods cutting wood preparing for the winters ahead. Virgil is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Pearl Keller, his in-laws John and Louis Stricker, his brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and Marion Keller, his sister-in-law Diann Keller. He is survived by his wife Judy; daughters Andrea (Kevin) Van Briesen, Angie (Chad) Kesler; 2 grandsons, Jarrett and Kevin II Van Briesen, siblings, Allen Keller, Sharon (Curt) Newcomer; and a niece and four nephews. He is also survived by a special family friend, David Gempler, whom he spent many years hunting with and who was always there for him. Keeping with Virgil's wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services held.

Virgil Keller

November 23, 1938 - July 20, 2026