"I am thinking of you during this difficult time. May God comfort you in the days ahead as Romans 15:5 says he supplies comfort and endurance. My deepest sympathies to the family of Elman. I am so sorry for your loss. "
In loving memory of
Elman J. Keller
February 15, 1924 - May 18, 2019
Elman J. Keller, 95 of Newcastle, NE passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at a hospital in Vermillion, SD.
Graveside services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Silver Ridge Cemetery in rural Ponca, NE, followed by a gathering at the Newcastle Legion Hall in Newcastle, NE. The family requests those attending to dress casually. Mohr Funeral Home in Ponca is handling arrangements.
Elman was born February 15, 1924 in Newcastle, NE, the son of John and Florence (Reid) Keller. He graduated from Newcastle High School in 1941. He served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, serving in Guadalcanal for the invasion. After the war, he started farming in 1951 on the family farm, and also worked driving truck for Swifts and Caudhy packing plants. He worked as a meat inspector with the USDA from 1967 until his retirement in 1986. Elman married Evelyn Wilbur on December 21, 1949 in Sioux City, IA and they were blessed with two daughters. After retiring they did extensive traveling in all 50 states and much of Canada and Mexico.
He was a life member of the 2nd Marine Division, V.F.W., Newcastle American Legion, and N.R.A. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved to tell a good story and hear a good story.
Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Keller of Newcastle, NE; daughters, Sherry (Marlin) Bender of Dakota Dunes, SD and Janet ((Scott) Freeman of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Jess (Katie) Bender, Kate (Mike) Torevell, Travis (Kate) Wilson, and Bryan Wilson; and 5 great-grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Florence Keller; brothers, Joe and Orven Keller; and sister, Ruby Russell.
Tributes
"We will always remember "Uncle" Elman, even from out on the East Coast. My memories incorporate a wonderful tall gentleman with a hearty sense of humor and a grand laugh. He dwarfed my dad when they were together and he embraced our family as if we were his own! I was just talking to Melissa Moates (Wilbur) how I wanted to come to Nebraska for a visit, and come see everyone. It makes my heart sad that I will not be able to hear Elman's laugh. God bless everyone at this time. He lived a mighty long life and ya'all should be proud of your Marine. He will be missed this Memorial Day --- Alesia and Monica Dietrich (Bethlehem, PA), daughters of Robert & Irma Dietrich God Bless! "