Rickie Jo Keller

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Rickie Jo Keller, 59, of Casselton, ND passed away Monday, April 8th at his residence.

Rick was born on January 12,1965 in Harvey, ND. He was the son of Adam and Barbara (Wack) Keller. Rick grew up and attended grade school in Selz, ND and graduated from Harvey High School. After High School, he earned a degree in Electronics from Phoenix Institute of Technology while also working for Dennis Martin’s Auto Repair – with Dennis becoming a beloved mentor of Ricks.

After graduation, he moved to Minot, ND where he worked as a computer technician at Computerland. In 1987, he met and started dating Sandra Volk, who was a babysitter for his nieces near Harvey. Rick transferred to Computerland in Grand Forks, ND to be closer to Sandra during her college years and they were married on June 15th 1990. Rick later secured a job as a Biomedical Technician at The United Hospital, earning his certification. In September 1994, they welcomed their first son, Lucas. A week after his birth, they moved to Thompson, ND where they lived for 9 years. Lucas was joined by two brothers, Matthew (May 1996) and Nathan (October 1998), while living there. In 2003, Rick accepted a job at the VA Medical Center in Fargo and they moved to West Fargo, recently receiving recognition for 20 years of Dedicated Service. Rick guided and supported his sons’ involvement in Cub and Boy Scouts, attended yearly summer camps beside them, and took on the role of Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 274 in Horace. It was there that he mentored his 3 sons, as well as other boy scouts, to achieve Eagle Scout rank.

Rick had immense pride sharing his love of hunting with his family – teaching them the ethics and safety of firearms but especially the respect for nature. A highlight for him and everyone involved, was their annual fall hunting excursions with his brothers and beloved friend Al Severinson and his son Brian – which on one or more occasion involved “hot pursuit”.

In January 2018, Rick and Sandra moved to their dream home on a three-acre farm north of Casselton, ND. Rick enjoyed keeping busy with all the work their new home presented, but loved the peace and quiet they cherished after both having grown up in small towns.

Rick was known as Mr. Fixit Dad – working on anything from wood cabinets to appliances to cars, etc. He was knowledgeable in so many different areas that all who knew him went to him for advice/guidance, finding him always willing to help. The most important thing to Rick was his family, spending as much time with them as he could. Most recently, the addition to their family – granddaughter Kinlee Rose – brought him so much joy and as his son said “turned him in to mush”. He would rush home after work to take her from Sandra and cuddle/nap with her. Rick also enjoyed taking his family camping and boating to various recreation spots – teaching many nieces and nephews to waterski.

Rick is survived by his wife Sandra of 33 years; sons Lucas (Chelci) Keller, Matthew Keller and girlfriend Nicole Bouma, Nathan Keller and girlfriend Tina Hendrickson; granddaughter Kinlee Rose Keller; Father Adam Keller; brothers Tom (Diane) Keller, Tim Keller; sisters Peggy (Charlie) Breaslaugh, Debbie Bentz (fiancé Kelly Chamberlain), and Lesa (Ed) James; Brother-in-laws Larry Mindt, Bruce Bent, David (Mary) Volk, Duane (LeeAnn) Volk, Kevin (Kristi) Volk, Keith (Melissa) Volk and Justin Volk; sister in laws Zita (Tony) Dietz, Tammy (Larry) Krein, Debora (Paul) Lies, Jacinta (Nick) Schmaltz, Margaret (Darin) Keller, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Rick is preceded in death by his mom Barbara Keller, brother Ron Keller, father in-law Emanuel Volk, mother-in law Leona Volk, sister-in law Kathy Keller and dear friends Al Severinson and Phil Roquette.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers and plants, please donate to Casselton Community of Care for the elderly, as they always held a special place in his heart.

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