Eugene L. Keller of Kalamazoo, a former Western Michigan University staff member, died Feb. 15, in the Crystal Woods assisted living community. He was 91.
Keller joined the WMU staff in 1971 and retired as a dining center manager in 1989 after 17 years of service to the University.
About Eugene Keller
Prior to coming to WMU, Keller had performed song and dance in Chicago for several years and had worked for McDonald's Drive-in Systems in Chicago as well as partnered in two McDonald's stores in Muskegon.
He served in the U.S. Marines during World War II and made landings on Guadalcanal Island, Cape Gloucester, New Britain and Peleliu Island before being wounded.
Keller was an active volunteer for numerous community organizations, including the Portage Senior Center and Portage Cable Vision, both of which he served as a board member. But he was most proud of his position as curator of the Guadalcanal Memorial Museum. He also was involved with the Marine Corps League, Kalamazoo Detachment, as well as served once as president and six times as secretary of the Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans.
Services
Friends are being received from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, in the Redmond Funeral Home in Kalamazoo. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, in St. Monica Catholic Church. Interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
Remembrances
The family obituary and a message book are available at obits.mlive.com/obituaries/kalamazoo.
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Monica's Catholic Church for masses.