Kurt Keller
November 04, 2013
Kurt Keller, 65, was born April 11, 1948 in Des Moines, to Milton and Jean Keller. He passed away November 4, 2013 at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Kurt graduated from East High School in 1967 and attended Drake University where he received a bachelor’s degree in both mathematics and music. Kurt proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. As a 45 year member, Kurt was one of three people in the Midwest region certified to work on Nuclear Power Houses as a high pressure welder for the Plumber and Steamfitters Union Local 33. In 2003, he retired from Taylor Industries. Kurt had a passion for music, playing the bass and lead guitar. Throughout his career in music he was a member of many bands including The Princemen, Jerry Reno and the Electric Company, The Train, Travelin’, and most recently, Lucky Jax. Kurt was inducted into the Iowa Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
Kurt is survived by his loving wife, Debra; children, Christopher Keller, Jammie Keller, Windy Keller, Joseph Keller, Andy (Kerri) Minor; grandsons, Dawson and Sawyer Minor; sister, Debbie (Jerry) Starrett; his loving dog, Topper; and many other family and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Matthew Keller; and brother, Van Keller.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2013, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Berwick Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank Lutheran Hospital, Dr. Hiatt and Dr. Hickland and their staff, for the care given to Kurt.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
dennis hickey
11/28/2013
deb up here in des moines thanksgiving day at my sisters and just wanted to convey to you how much it hit when i found out about kurts passing he will be deeply missed my prayers are with you love as kurt would say brother denny
Angie Hotman
11/10/2013
Deb, I am so sorry for your loss. I have been thinking of you. Take care
Michael McMurry
11/09/2013
I had the pleasure of being Kurt's friend for over 30 years. He was a good musician, a good pal and a good man.
Nancy (Brown-Sheets) Hodges
11/09/2013
Deb, My thoughts and prayers are with you today. I've known Kurt since jr. high and was a member of the class of EHS '67. We were thrilled when he was inducted into the IA Rock N Roll hall of fame. An honor he very much deserved. We will miss him but know he had an exciting life here and is carrying on with his music in the great music land of the heavens above! He left us much too soon!
Deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Nancy (Brown-Sheets) Hodges
Pat Versteegh
11/08/2013
Deb, so sorry to hear about Kurt's passing. I've thought of you both often and always looked for you at the fair over the years. I too think of Kurt every time I hear the song "You've Lost That Lovin Feelin" and always will. I have no doubt he's in Rock and Roll Heaven singing and playing his guitar. He was a shining star here on earth and even a brighter one in heaven! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ray and Dixie Watters
11/08/2013
We are so sorry Deb over the loss of Kurt.He was handsome , funny, smart and talented, and such a proud Grandpa.Memories of easily getting Kurt into a conversation if it was about , his music, guitars , Corvette's, Harley's , Clapton or his grandsons. I will forever be reminded of Kurt when I see Sam Elliot, or hear "You've lost that Loving Feeling". We appreciate the hours you shared him with his fans, and we are glad that we got to know him through the years. RIP Kurt,We know you are in Rock and Roll Heaven, and you are part of a hell of a band.God Bless .
John & Joni (Funaro) Martin
11/08/2013
Debbie, we are so sorry to hear about Kurt's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Dr. Rico and staff
11/08/2013
Deb, it has been awhile but please know we are all thinking about you and pray for your family during this difficult time. Kurt was always a uplifting guy to talk to when he came in the office. Take care.
Dr. Rico, Vicki,Beth and Lisa
Mary Davis
11/07/2013
I am so sorry to hear about Kurt's passing. I went to high school with him and then years later I would see him out and about . He was always so nice to me and a fun guy to be around. Prayers go out to his wife, children and grandchildren.
Larry & Vicki Monaco
11/06/2013
Deb & Family, we are so sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts & prayers..So many great memories of playing in bands with Kurt through the years. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Danny Howard
11/06/2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Kurt was truly an amazing man. So many memories of going to the fair to listen to him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the entire family. RIP Kurt
Tucker D. Watters
11/06/2013
I will miss Kurt, he was a great teacher and a great man. I am sorry that circumstances kept me from seeing more of him these last few years. My mom tells of the time at the fair , when I was just a few years old, listening to him, and I fell asleep, I remember him as the teacher who taught me guitar. You will be missed Kurt.
artie
11/06/2013
Deb, I'm so sorry for you and the family's loss. Be strong! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Russ & Kathy (Ramus) Anderson
11/06/2013
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Kurt. He was a fantastic musician and the memories of "Diamond Jack's" will always be with me. We will not be in town for the service but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Robin Howard
11/06/2013
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May the memories you have help through this difficult time. God Bless each and everyone of you.