Charles Edward (Ed) Keller Jr, age 86 passed on the afternoon of April 23, 2019 at Holy Rosary Extended Care with his wife and daughter at his side.
Charles was born on May 10, 1932 in Orange, NJ to Charles Edward Keller and Dorothy LaBord Keller. Ed was raised in Millburn, NJ. He graduated from Millburn High School in 1950 and Dartmouth College (New Hampshire) with a B.A. degree in Philosophy in 1954. Ed served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956, in Berlin, Germany, then returned to NJ and studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York City from 1956-1959. He earned an M.A. degree in Guidance and Counseling at Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1976.
Following Ed’s ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church in 1959, he served as an assistant at Christ Church at Bloomfield-Glen Ridge from 1959-1962, and then as Rector of St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Little Falls until 1996. During his 34 years at St. Agnes, with much affection and high regard for one another, Ed and the church family worked hard and well together to reach their goals of ministry. Deep friendships developed between St. Agnes people and the Keller family which have endured to the present.
Ed married Barbara Reinl Ferguson of East Orange on March 12, 1955. Following their move to Little Falls, they had 2 children, Stephen (1962) and Madeline (1964). Ed was devoted to Barb, Steve and Maddy, making sure time was available for family activities and vacations. He derived great pleasure from planning trips to visit distant relatives, days in NYC, Yankee games, concerts and summer vacations from Maine to Florida, always including historical sites, tours, museums and gardens on the journeys.
Ed was an avid reader, particularly of historical works, current events and mysteries. He frequently listened to classical, bagpipe and folk music. When Barb joined Ed in Berlin, they traveled through Europe and attended many concerts and operas. His passion was gardening. He appreciated the physical work and took great joy in sharing what he produced. When at St. Agnes, he cut numerous bouquets each summer and delivered them to sick and homebound people. In 2010, he and Barb moved to Montana. The change in climate was a challenge to his gardening, but he grudgingly adapted to it. One of his greatest pleasures was talking with other gardeners and viewing their gardens.
While still in NJ, Ed and Barb revisited East Coast highlights and gardens with Steve’s daughter Cole while she resided with them during her early teens. Once in Montana, grandkids Wyatt, Jesse and Carly opened his eyes to western culture. The all day 4H horse show in 100 degree heat and the 5 hour pig show were tops on his entertainment list. The kids treasured the hours Grandpa read to them, and looked forward to receiving the books he thoughtfully chose for their birthday and Christmas gifts.
Ed’s life was greatly enhanced by the family’s pets. Particularly special was his relationship with Kit, who often lay next to his chair.
Ed is survived by his wife Barbara, son Stephen (Twinkle) Keller of Bayonne, NJ, daughter Madeline (Andrew) Roberts of Kinsey, and grandchildren Nicole Keller of Maple Grove, OR, Wyatt Roberts of Helena, MT, Jesse and Carly Roberts of Kinsey.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Miles City Public Library Children’s Department.
Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Beau Huft Family says
Sending hugs and prayers to all the family. Its never easy losing a parent/grandpa. Hang on to those good memories.
Denise Harvey says
I am so sorry for your loss. I can see by this beautiful life story that he was a wonderful man who has left a wonderful legacy with his beloved family and friends. Prayers for comfort as you cherish your memories.
Denise Harvey
Norm and Laura Jane says
So sorry to learn of his passing. Blessings to all of his family.
Audrey Haumschilld says
Ed was one of the sweetest men who I was lucky to have the pleasure of taking care of. RIP Ed. Hugs and Prayers are with his wonderful family .
Kaitlyn Perkins says
Ed was a very wise and kind man, I’m glad I got the oppourtunity to take care of him. I will miss seeing him and his amazing family, Rest In Peace Ed you lived a full life.
Mary Wambolt says
Barb, what a treasure Ed was! From our first meeting in the middle of my garden to frequent visits and tours of his garden…I always enjoyed sharing our knowledge of gardening! I learned something new every visit! My Japanese Anemone that he gave me will always bring a smile to my heart in his memory.
You and your family are in my prayers that you find comfort in your strong faith and memories!
The Rev. J Carr Holland III says
Dear Barbara
This seems so inadequate an expression even before I begin. Ed+ was such a warm presence in so many lives. He was not given to drawing attention to himself, humble I suppose and infinitely kind in my experience. You are all in my prayers as you settle into a chapter without him.
Much love,
Carr Holland+
Richard Berggren says
Good bye, old friend. Fond memories from Millburn HS. It was good seeing you when you came to St George’s in Maolewood.
Rest in Peace.
Joseph D Herring says
Dear Barbara and Family,
How well I remember Ed from Dartmouth days. He was a quietly effective leader of the Dartmouth Christian Union, a group that
brought together the values of faith, study, and social action. I remember him also from his years as rector of St Agnes. May he
rest in peace and rise in glory ! Joe Herring, ’55
Cindy Berg says
Maddy and family,
So sorry to hear about your dad and grandpa. I know he sure enjoyed being close to you all these past few years.
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
God Bless
Larry Hamil says
I met Ed and Barbara through Jim and Betty Morris and was invited to dinner with them several times at the Morris”s. What a wonderful couple. So much enjoyed being with them. Betty has told me so many stories about St. Agnes and what a wonderful rector and friend Ed was. I am saddened by his death and know how much all who loved him will miss him.
Rick and Dee Abbott says
Maddie and family: We are sincerely sorry for the loss of your father. We pray that God grants you His comfort, peace and solace.
Matthew Smith says
Ed was a very special man and will truly be missed.I very much enjoyed listening to his very profound sermons at our church in Little Falls.I consider the whole Keller family a wonderful part of my upbringing and cherish the memories of how our families grew up together. Prayers are offered up to all Eds loved ones.
God Bless.
Susan Torrisi says
Barbara , Madeline and Family.
Our deepest sympathies. We have such fond memories. All of you are in our thoughts.
Warm regards,
Susan Torrisi (Capuano) (Daughter of Geri and John Capuano)
Betsy Coursen Ways says
Dear Barbara and Family,
I remember you and “Mr. Keller” from when I was a little girl trying to grow up next to Christ Church when he was a curate. I remember Stephen being born and how excited we all were with his arrival. I have always remembered you both as such kind grown ups as I was no more than 7 when you moved to St. Agnes. My brother, Bob, recently told me of Fr. Ed’s home going and I’m happy for him to be in His Presence unhindered, but sad for you all as you miss him. What great expectant hope to see and be with him again because of Jesus. I pray for your comfort, peace, and joy as our Father holds you all close.