Robert L. Keller, 82 of Peru passed away unexpectedly in his home on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. He was born on September 10, 1934 in Peru and was the son of Elbert and Julia (Flagg) Keller.
He was a life-long member of the Peru Church of the Brethren.
Bob graduated from Bunker Hill High School (1952) where he was active in sports, participated in school plays and was a drummer in the band. He then served our country as a helicopter mechanic in the United States Army and was stationed in Mannheim, Germany.
He married Renate Brandt in Heidelberg, Germany on July 27, 1957.
Bob then returned to Peru and worked for the Thrush Company while volunteering with the Circus City Festival. On March 16, 1968, Bob proudly launched his career as a police officer with the Peru Police Department. He retired after having served as an officer for more than 26 years. Following his retirement, he continued to be involved in the community. He held post-retirement positions with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Miami County Community Corrections and he served on the Peru Police Department’s Pension Board. Bob was also an active volunteer at Duke’s Memorial Hospital for more than eight years.
Bob had a true love for his hometown and the people of Peru! He enjoyed working on projects for anyone who asked (…except, of course, Renate!) There was always a project pending in his garage and you could easily find Bob tinkering with something – from outfitting police cars with new light bars, to rewiring and painting the little league scoreboard, to mowing neighbors’ yards to building a gazebo on his deck — Bob loved projects! No love was greater, though, than his unconditional love, support and the pride he felt for his family and closest friends. For that, he will be incredibly missed and fondly remembered.
Bob is survived by one son, Mike (Kathy) Keller of Indianapolis; four grandchildren, David (Hunter Foor) Keller of Indianapolis, Devyn (Kaleigh Julovich) Keller of Zionsville, Samuel Keller of Swayzee and Elijah Keller of Indianapolis. He is also survived by his beloved, Betty Ramberg of Peru; and one niece, Christine (Bret) Garst of Tipton.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 44 years, Renate; his sister, Barbara Chambers and his aunt, Mary Spangler.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00pm on Monday, September 11, 2017 at the Peru Church of the Brethren (134 E. 5th Street, Peru) with Pastors Phil Cruea and Bob Clark officiating. Friends may call from 10:00am until the time of service. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Bob’s family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the staff and servers at Gabriel’s Pancake House for their true love and care for Bob and Betty in the recent years. We would also like to sincerely thank everyone at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home for their incredible generosity and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Peru High School Band (401 N. Broadway, Peru, IN 46970).
Military rites provided by the Miami County Military Rites Team.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Arrangements have Been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.