Joseph O. Keller
July 28, 1999 ~ May 22, 2021
https://vimeo.com/event/1033166
Joseph Osborne Keller, 21, of Fargo, ND, died on May 22nd, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, surrounded by family.
Joe was born on July 28th, 1999, in Fargo to Joni (Bjornstad) and Gerard Keller. He grew up attending JPII Catholic Schools in Fargo. In kindergarten he was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which rendered him reliant on a wheelchair from the time he was 10 years old. Joe’s life was an active one, filled with family, friends, and sports. He graduated from Shanley High School in 2018 having earned himself the nickname “Superfan” by his loyalty and passion for Deacon athletics, pre-championship pep talks, and nearly perfect game attendance. His knowledge of and love for local sports was vast and deep, leading him to study broadcast journalism at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he recently completed his junior year. At MSUM Joe was proudly part of the Dragon sports community, and he continued to support local athletes into college and beyond, making friends with athletes, coaches, and athletic directors around the country. A faithful Catholic, Joe grew up going to St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes during the summers and Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church in Fargo, where he was the most gregarious greeter at both parishes. Joe is remembered by his brilliant smile, his strength of spirit, and his authentic love of others, which live on in the countless lives he touched.
Joe is survived by his parents, Joni and Gerard Keller, Fargo, ND, grandmother, Frances Bjornstad, Fargo, ND, sister, Kayla Keller, Bronx, NY, aunts and uncles Bonnie (Tim) Fischer and family, Bismarck, ND, Wayne (Cindy) Keller and family, Valley City, ND, Sheila Keller, Bismarck, ND, Jane (Jerry) Widme and family, Bemidji, MN, James Bjornstad and Pat Jones, Ottertail, MN, Jerome (Cindy) Bjornstad and family, McVille, ND, Jane Bjornstad, Chandler, AZ, Jay (Vernes) Bjornstad and family, McGregor, MN, Jon (Janie) Bjornstad and family, Stilwell, KS, numerous cousins and second cousins, innumerable friends, and his new puppy, Toby. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Osborne Bjornstad, his paternal grandparents, Alice (Schwan) and Edward Keller, and his beloved dog, Jack.
A prayer service will be held Friday, May 28th at 7pm in the Shanley High School Gymnasium in Fargo, with visitation beginning at 5pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Will Slattery on Saturday, May 29th at 11am at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church in Fargo, followed by interment at St. Mary of the Lakes Cemetery in Detroit Lakes, MN. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed via the Boulger Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to scholarships being established in Joe’s name at JPII Catholic Schools Network and MSUM.
Picture slideshow put together by Lee Hoedl
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I was so sorry to hear about joey. I still remember him as a sweet lil boy running around and acting silly after Kayla and Kirra. Always know God is near, and has a plan for us all. Be as strong as you are able, God will carry you the rest of the way.
Kathy Grandbois
Joe is an inspiration and gift to all who had the pleasure to know him. He left a mark on our hearts and made this world a better place…for that, we are grateful. God Bless you all.
Jeff, Mary Jo, Tyler and Spencer Jacobson
I’m so sorry for your loss. Will keep you all in my prayers.
How sorry we are for your loss. Even though none of our children were in Joe’s class, what an amazing, shining light he was. He touched so many hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary and Tim Halberstadt
Joe was a great person with a beautiful smile and great stories to share with all around the neighborhood! We are grateful to have known him over the years in Clusters Crossing and of course at Shanley games cheering on TJ and Kendall! May he be welcomed home with Christ’s love and Grace for him eternally! Condolences and prayers from the Anderson’s (Stacy, Brandan , TJ and Bel) and the Swanson’s (Sean and Kendall)
So very sorry about your loss he will be missed
sorry about your loss
My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Joe… aka Deacon Super Fan, or maybe a fan of all God’s people would be a better way to describe Joe! He is/was a very special human. Joe loved sports, he loved records being broken, and he loved winning. The thing that I admired the most about Joe was his drive and passion to win at life. He, to me, embodied a Christ-like spirit in all that he did. He never played the victim or why me card, he just went about life spreading love, joy, enthusiasm, and an incredible smile to everyone he met. You have done well Mr. Joe Keller, you have left an imprint on many, you spread God’s love to everyone. Rest in Peace, my friend! Love and Prayers to all. Let’s all be more like JOE!
I enjoyed visiting with Joe whenever he would stop at work to visit his mom and just being out and about. He loved to talk sports and about our pets. We also talked about how much our area of South Fargo had grown over the years. I will miss visiting with Joe and will miss seeing him out cruising around the neighborhood. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tammy, Tyler, Peyton, & Bevin
So sorry for your loss. May the good memories of Joe help you through this time. My prayers for your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Joe when he received his wheelchair after his diagnosis. He had such an infectious smile that would light up the room. I always looked forward to the Halloween party at Healthcare Accessories to see Joe’s costume creations. I attended many sports events and would know Joe was in the building by the groups of friends he had around him. I will cherish the memories of him and miss him at the sporting events. Fly high Joe!
I am so sorry for your loss. He was just little and full of spunk when I knew him. He has gotten his wings and can truly fly now. I know he is. May God be with you and all who loved Joe. I pray you find strength in knowing he is free.
Love you always Joe. XOXO
Our hearts ache for you Joni,Gary and Kayla and all of Joe’s family. Thank you for sharing Joe with so many of us, we are all richer for knowing him and all of you. His love for the “game” and for life itself was evident each time we had a chance to visit with him. He left an impression on all of our hearts that we will never forget. We know that those greeting Joe at heaven’s gate will be cheering for him even harder than he cheered for us hear on earth. May your memories times spent together and the memories of others shared here, bring you peace in the days to come. With Love, Shane, Laura, Dylan and Emily Alderman.
There are not sufficient words to express the inspiration and presence of Joe. Keller family – we are keeping you in our prayers during this difficult time. While Joe will be missed on this Earth – Heaven has certainly gained a very special Angel. God’s blessings to you. The McNeally family
Dear Keller Family,
My sincere condolences on the death of Joe. Although I only met him once (at a Yankee game of course in 2019, I vividly remember his excitement and gorgeous smile). That smile lives on in you, dear Kayla. Know of my + my families prayers for the repose of Joe’s soul and for Our Blessed Mother to hold you in her arms.
Sincerely,
Ruby
Dearest Kellers: Joe could not have called me by name. He didnt know it but we visited a few times during my time as a fan of Reile and Hadley…I’ve known the Johnson’s and Payne’s for years…and Huber and I connected on the Sioux! I would see Joe everywhere, at everything…in the moment of the event and yet was full in with the people around him. I watched…in awe. I’d see that smile ALL OF THE TIME. He seemed to be everyone’s best friend. And now as he is so missed and irreplaceable I read and hear that indeed he was. My heart hurts for you, and all those best friends. But he has left a legacy in the way he lived in 21 short years. He made a difference to people and situations. He’ll never know the affect he had on me as I feel like I lost a best friend as well. I’ll make sure to tell him the next time we ‘meet’. BE PROUD OF THE SON AND BROTHER YOU SHARED WITH THE WORLD! He affected us all.🙏💚
Joni, Gary and Kayla,
Joe was truly a light to everybody he met. May we all walk as children of the light, in all goodness, righteousness, and truth as Joe did. May you find comfort in God’s loving arms during this time.
Fly high Joe! With Love Karl and Bev Nesler family.
We have missed seeing Joe speed around the halls of MSUM this past year. He was always smiling and chatting with staff and students while in our office, and was clearly a bright light on our campus. I didn’t know him personally, but he always made sure to say hi as he passed by or waited by my office during his time in the Academic Support Center. May God comfort you during this time.
I looked forward to seeing Joe at all the Fargo Shanley athletic events I attended and at state tournaments. He cheered hard for the Deacons and always showed good sportsmanship to the opposing teams, student athletes, fans and athletic administrators. I’m so glad I got to know Joe over the years. His outlook on life, much like his outlook on the Deacons athletic teams was always optimistic. I’m still involved with High School Sports and Activities in North Dakota and will miss Joe at tournaments. Spring Tournaments are fast approaching and I anticipate I’ll be thinking of Joe over the next two weeks. My sympathy to all his family members and the Deacon Community.
He always had a smile on his face when he stopped by where his mom worked.
“Father I do not ask you to take this cup from me. I only ask your guidance o’er paths I cannot see. But THY will be done Lord, THY will be done.” None of us, including Joe, wanted him to leave so soon, but to know that it was God’s will and not ours, there is comfort in that. We do not know the hour or the day when we will be called home.
Earlier this week in the WDAY story that aired, Joni commented that sometimes we want to ask ‘why him, why us’, but perhaps we need to think that at some point, God may have wondered ‘why not?’ Why not use Joe as my example on earth, why not have Joe’s life impact all those around him? Why not have others see how people can persevere in hardship? And why not have people experience amazing love of one’s self and our neighbor. That is who Joe Keller was and I believe God’s plan worked perfectly.
We have a great friend that has transformed from SUPER FAN to SUPER ANGEL. Please watch over us Joe!!
Joni and Gary,
Jennifer and I were so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Unfortunately, due to previously scheduled commitments, we are not able to attend Joe’s services. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jennifer and I would very much like to get together with you both in the near future. Please drop me an email when you get the chance, and we can set up a time and place. In the meantime, please take care and God Bless you and your family.
Jeff
Joe, You left a lasting impact on everyone you met, including me. Even though your life on earth was short you made every moment count. I loved the slide show!! Rest in Peace.
So sorry for your loss. I still get choked up when I recall the day you told me of his diagnosis. We will cherish his artwork and the memory of playing trivia with him at Randy’s.
May the outpouring of love and support from all those that knew Joe bring you some comfort during this difficult time.