Losing Robb and Jackie

In the span of a few weeks, my Uncle Robb and Aunt Jackie passed away. They were two of the most joyful, fun-like-crazy, and loving people I knew. Jackie was my dad's only sister and the oldest of the Keller kids. Robb was my dad's younger brother and one of the twins. It's hard to think of the world without them in it.

Aunt Karen and Uncle Robb

Uncle Robb at a family party - maybe one of the cruises?

Aunt Jackie doing her thing at the beach

I remember these days at Grandma Jan's Florida house so fondly
Back LtR: Grandma Jan (my dad's mom), Great Uncle Bob, Great Uncle Betty
Front LtR: Aunt Jackie, Uncle Kevin, beautiful Mom

Most of the Keller family was at the double funeral in Cleveland on April 13. I was in Kenya with visitors.

All the cousins (minus me)

Uncle Robb's obituary:

Keller, Robert (Robb) M.

6/22/1951 – 3/13/2019

Robert (Robb) Michael Keller passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at home in Champaign, IL. Memorial Service will be held on April 13th from 10-12 at Humenik Funeral Chapel in Brook Park, OH.

Mr. Keller was born in June 22, 1951, the son of Leo and Jan Keller. His wife, Karen Excell Terry Keller survives him. Their devotion to each other and their Creator was the center of their nearly 13 years together.

Robb is also survived by his son Scott (Cassie) Keller, grandchildren Emily and Colin, OH; step daughter Roni Terry (Brian Schanck), AZ. Also surviving are his four brothers, James (Judy) Keller, CA; his twin Richard (Tammi) Keller, CA; Michael (Wynne Weingarden), MA; Kevin (Ellen) Keller, MA; and his best friend Dave DeFauw (Catherine), IN; and eight nieces and nephews. His sister Jackie DeFauw, IN also unexpectedly passed away on April 1st, 2019 and will be remembered as well at the Memorial Service.

Aunt Jackie's obituary:

 Jacquelynn Ann DeFauw

Jan. 26, 1949 – April 1, 2019

MISHAWAKA, IN – Jacquelynn Ann (Keller) DeFauw “Jackie” passed away in her sleep on Monday at home in Mishawaka, IN. There will be a Memorial Service on 4/13/2019 at Humenik Funeral Chapel in Brook Park, OH.

Jackie was born 1/26/1949, the daughter of Leo and Jan Keller of Cleveland, OH. She is survived by a son, David (Meagan) Ellis DeFauw; and granddaughters, Ella Breeland-DeFauw, Olivia Roberson, and Hollis DeFauw. Also surviving are her four brothers, James (Judy) Keller of CA, Richard (Tammi) Keller of CA, Michael (Wynne Weingarden) of MA, and Kevin (Ellen) Keller of MA. She is also survived by her ex-husband, Roger David (Dave) DeFauw; and sisters-in-law, Lora (Bill) Rozzi and Denise (John) Mroczek. Other survivors include sixteen nieces and nephews who were very dear to her. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Jason DeFauw, and last month a brother, Robert (Karen) Keller and a brother-in-law, Gene DeFauw.

Jackie was an active member of Albright United Methodist Church in Mishawaka. She loved crafting, gardening, and feeding the geese along the river. She tried to make everyone around her happy and was always the life of the party. Her greatest joys in life were her son and granddaughters.