Melvin "Dutch" Keller

Melvin "Dutch" Oscar Keller was born on December 12, 1950, to Herbert and Edith Keller in Braham, Minnesota. As a young boy, his hero was Elvis Presley, and he looked up to him as a role model. Dutch learned to drive at the age of 13, taught by his older brothers, and began his working life at Delbo Creamery in Delbo, Minnesota. He later served in the United States Army as a mechanic, working on trucks and tanks, and also enjoyed working with a punch press, particularly making parts out of steel.

Dutch lived in the Braham area until he met his soulmate, Marie. The couple moved to Pipestone, Minnesota, to be closer to Dutch’s work in Lennox, South Dakota. After retiring from Lennox, Dutch and Marie continued to make their home in Pipestone. Dutch passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Dutch was a devoted family man who cherished spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and beloved pets—especially his dog, Cookie. He enjoyed taking his pets outside to get fresh air and spoiling them in every way possible.

He welcomed his son, Kevin, and his daughter, Tina, in his first marriage to Pamela. Through his longtime partnership and marriage to Marie, Dutch gained bonus children and grandchildren, expanding the loving family he treasured.

Dutch had a joyful spirit and a zest for life. He proudly wore his "Sexy Senior Citizen" hat, enjoyed playing bingo, and once shared his handyman skills at Tianna Trailer Park in Pipestone. He loved socializing with his bingo table partner at Falls Landing. Dutch spent much of his time building, remodeling, and working on vehicles. He also enjoyed camping with all eight of his grandchildren, attending the annual Keller Family Reunion at his sister Edie’s home, and fishing with Edie and her husband, Joel. Playing cards with his daughter and her husband was also a special tradition he cherished.

Known for his optimism, Dutch often said, "It could be worse," a reflection of the cheerful and resilient outlook that defined his life.

Dutch is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marie Keller of Pipestone; children, Kevin Keller of Mora, Minnesota, and Robert Pierce of Miami, Florida; Lenika (George) Beaulieu of Cass Lake, Minnesota; son-in-law, Rick Christian of Pipestone; siblings, Bill (Denise) Keller of Dalbo, Minnesota, Jim (Bonnie) Keller of Eveleth, Minnesota, Edie Shaw of Wisconsin, and Ray Keller of Florida; grandchildren, Emily Hendrickson, Wyatt Hendrickson, Monique Beaulieu, Damian Beaulieu, Isabelle Keller, Taylor Keller, and Sheena Beaulieu; and great-grandchildren, Jayden, Stetson, Perceyis, Marceline, and Za'Kani. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pamela Keller; daughter, Tina Christian; parents, Herbert and Edith Keller; siblings, David Keller, Audry Johnson, Beverly Keller, Harry Keller, Danny Keller, Robbie Keller, Timmy Keller, and Minnie Keller; and sister-in-law, Vesta Keller.