Keller, Joseph John “Big Joe” Passed away unexpectedly at the age of 59 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee. Joe was born to Edmund and Isabella Keller of Milwaukee on September 16, 1951. He was born to Eternal Life on March 10, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Left to grieve this deep and tragic loss is his mother, Isabella Keller (Milwaukee); wife Elaine (Chadwick) Keller (Racine); two sons Chadwick Joseph Keller (Milwaukee); Daniel James Keller (Milwaukee); daughter Emily Ann Keller (Chicago) and granddaughter Grace Isabella Keller. Also surviving are his sisters Pamela Masters (Keller) - Longview, TX, and Chris and Magdalena Pauly (Keller) - Williams Bay, WI. With an extensive family, Joe is also survived by numerous relatives, having exceptionally close and personal relationships with them all. Preceding him in death are his father Edmund J. Keller; sister Annette Byrd (Keller); and brother-in-law, Roger Masters. Joe was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, where he lived with his loving family until he was 18. He later attended Dominican College in Racine, WI. It was there he met his college sweetheart Elaine, who went on to become his loving wife, companion, and best friend of 36 years. With a passionate entrepreneurial spirit and an exceptionally ingenious mind, Joe purchased Racine Upholstery in 1981 and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled, quality craftsman. Known as the quintessential funny man with a wonderful sense of humor, Joe had many hobbies and interests, but his greatest passion was devoting time to his family. A dedicated and loving father, Joe’s sole purpose in life was to provide for his children, consistently putting their needs before his own. He loved supporting anything involving his children, from attending sporting events, to always offering a listening ear and exceptional guidance. The brightest chapter of his life came with the birth of his granddaughter, Grace Isabella. In his last year, he was blessed to be able to spend the majority of his time with her, and he cherished every moment. He embraced becoming a grandfather with the same vigor and devotion in which he embraced his family and his life in general. He will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation will be held for Joe on Tuesday, March 15th from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the Funeral Home. Visitation continues Wednesday, March 16th from 10:00am until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at Christ King Parish, 2604 Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa. Memorial contributions can be made to the family.
