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A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Roger 1
Francis Keller, Sr. 2
WHEREAS, Roger Francis Keller, Sr. was born in Cold Spring, Kentucky, on July 3
5, 1948, the eldest of seven children born to the late Aloysius and Evelyn Ochsenhirt 4
Keller; and 5
WHEREAS, Roger Keller was raised at the original Knotty Pine and graduated 6
from Bishop Brossart High School in 1965; and 7
WHEREAS, Roger Keller was extremely proud that he worked for the same 8
company, Dover Thyssenkrupp Elevator, for the entirety of his 51-year career. He started 9
in the field and rose through the ranks to become a vice president, and then a central 10
region training and development manager, the position he held at the time of his 11
retirement. Throughout his career, Roger mentored and offered guidance to countless 12
people, most of whom remained in close contact with him years after retirement; and 13
WHEREAS, Roger Keller was a man of tremendous faith who loved God and his 14
family above all else. He lived his faith every day by attending daily Mass; serving as 15
Lector or Eucharistic Minister; and through his involvement with St. Joseph Parish in 16
Cold Spring, Bishop Brossart High School, the Diocese of Covington, the Catholic Order 17
of Foresters, Rose Garden Mission in Covington, Hosea House, St. Vincent de Paul, and 18
many other organizations that primarily help those who are less fortunate; and 19
WHEREAS, Roger Keller was an organizer, and led or served on numerous 20
development and fundraising committees at St. Joseph Parish and Bishop Brossart High 21
School. His tireless efforts, perseverance, and dedication have brought to fruition many 22
major additions and improvements including Memorial Hall; the Jubilee Pavilion and 23
many parish festivals at St. Joseph; the Mustang Athletic Complex; the St. Francis of 24
Assisi Chapel; and the Munninghoff Family Arts Center at Bishop Brossart High School; 25
and 26
WHEREAS, each year at Christmas, Roger Keller provided and delivered 400 hams 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2549
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to the Rose Garden Mission in Covington to feed hundreds of families for Christmas 1
dinner. It became a family project involving his children, grandchildren, and siblings and 2
was one of his favorite days of the year. He was also well known for being Santa Claus 3
for numerous organizations and gatherings over the years; and 4
WHEREAS, these few examples barely scratch the surface of Roger Keller's 5
generosity, dedication to community, willingness to help those less fortunate, and most 6
importantly, his desire to serve the Lord; and 7
WHEREAS, following his retirement, Roger Keller enjoyed being with his family, 8
spending time at his favorite place, the Harbor Beach Marriott in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 9
and cruising and traveling the globe with his wife, Diane; and 10
WHEREAS, Roger Keller passed from this life to the next on Easter Sunday, 11
March 31, 2024, at the age of 75; and 12
WHEREAS, in addition to his parents, Roger Keller was preceded in death by his 13
beloved wife, Margaret A. (Peggy) Riley Keller and his brother, Al Keller III. He is 14
survived by his loving wife, Diane; three children, Roger, Jr. (Jennifer), Rob (Sherrie), 15
and Rhonda (the late Bryan) Eviston; eleven grandchildren, Chase (Megan Seiter) Keller, 16
Jordan and Jessica Keller, Olivia, Ryan, Reed, and Anderson Keller, Riley, Donovan, 17
Evelyn, and Maura Eviston; one great-grandchild, Chelsey Keller; five siblings, Candy 18
(Mark) Schroder, Rick (Fran), Debbie (Hank) Heitker, Bonnie, and Russ (Becky); uncle, 19
Jack (Lynn) Keller; aunt, Ruth Neltner; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and 20
friends; 21
NOW, THEREFORE, 22
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 23
Kentucky: 24
Section 1. The members of the Senate extend their most profound sympathy 25
upon the passing of Roger Francis Keller, Sr., and posthumously thank him for his 26
contributions to his community and dedication to helping less fortunate Kentuckians. 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2549
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Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor and loving 1
memory of Roger Francis Keller, Sr. 2
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 3
Resolution to Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer for delivery to the family. 4