Leonard "Len" Keller

Leonard “Len” Keller passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 24th, 2025, at the age of 93. How can one sum up an entire lifetime that included 20 years of military service in the US Army, outliving three wives, raising seven children (three sons, a daughter and three stepsons), having a successful post-military career in training and management, being a world-wide traveler, and gaining the friendship and respect of scores of family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances? Tough assignment but here goes.

Len was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 8th, 1931, to Nathan and Anna (Shapiro) Keller. He was the first of their two children, including his younger brother Howard. Len graduated from West Philadelphia High School then went to Temple University and subsequently Arizona State College at Tempe where he graduated With Distinction with a BA in Secondary Education and a concentration in Biology. Later, Len earned his master’s degree in management from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. As an interesting side note, Len was a talented accordionist and plied his trade in several burlesque venues under the name Lenny Kay after school! 

While in college, Len was in the Army ROTC. Upon graduation, he was installed as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserves. He transferred to the Regular Army where he rose through the ranks eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His service took him to many locations throughout the US as well as stints in Japan, Germany and Vietnam. His service was predominantly in the Medical Corps and Chemical Corps, and he was a proud member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Along the way he earned many citations, decorations and awards including two Air Medals and two Bronze Stars. 

Len had many interests and hobbies including mineral collecting, taking ocean cruises and volunteering for various museums and zoos. He was a member of the Toastmasters holding several leadership positions in the organization. He was a brilliant man who was a member of Mensa where his tested IQ was 160. He was beyond generous donating money and time to multiple organizations and causes. He was a man of honesty and integrity and respected by all. After retiring he lived predominantly in Colorado and Wisconsin ultimately settling in Littleton, Colorado.

Len was preceded in death by his parents Nathan and Anna (nee Shapiro), his brother Howard, his first wife Eleanor (nee Klein), his second wife Christa (nee Schuberth), his third wife Sandra (nee Stone), his daughter Debra, his stepson Steven, his grandson Ryan and his granddaughter Michelle. 

Len is survived by his sons, Ronald, Stanley, and David, his stepsons Hobert and Michael, his grandchildren Alyssa, Christopher, Maureen, Raymond, Peter (John), Eric, Stephan, Brooke, Misty and several great-grandchildren.

In summary, Len can be described as honorable, distinguished, accomplished, and full of worth. He leaves a legacy that will be hard to match. He will be deeply missed.

Len will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado on February 7, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. receiving full military honors.

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