Constance and Windsor "AJ" Keller

Windsor (AJ) T. and Constance (Connie) L. Keller were both born in Belleville, Illinois. AJ was born to George and Pauline (nee Mueller) Keller on December 11, 1941, and passed November 16, 2021. Connie was born to Norman L and Hazel R. (nee Swinney) Heinke September 20, 1947, and passed on July 2, 2024. AJ and Connie were married in Belleville, Illinois June 14, 1980.

AJ was a retired (1994) firefighter with the City of Belleville, where he received awards for rescuing children from a house fire and helping save lives from automobile accidents. Connie was a homemaker and worked in the childcare and food industry until 1994. AJ was preceded in death by his parents, Connie was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Carol J Schultheis and brother-in-law, Elmer F. Schultheis from Fults IL, brother-in-law William F. Feldmann III, of O’Fallon IL, and brother-in-law Larry Huddleston of Woodson Terrace, MO. AJ was an only child but he quickly became a part of Connie’s family. Connie and AJ are survived by sisters, Sue L. (Earl) Haury, of Katy, TX, Sharon L. (Michael) Cleveland of O’Fallon, IL, Joann (Forest) Creson of O’Fallon, IL, Jacquelyn (John) Hammersmith of Troy, IL, Cynthia M. Huddleston (fiancé Curt Russell) of Swansea, IL and brother, Richard N (Donna) Heinke of Staunton, IL. They are also survived by 13 nieces/nephews, 16 great nieces/nephews and many cousins.

Connie and AJ enjoyed traveling - their favorite place being the beach in Destin FL.AJ was a midget race car driver in the Belleville area in his early days. AJ restored a 1951 Chevy truck and was a member of Gear Jammers. For years, AJ and Connie went to car shows where he won several trophies. They enjoyed collecting antiques and other memorabilia. She also enjoyed doing crafts and collecting things, such as chickens, glass ball paperweights, and other country items. Connie enjoyed family time especially with all the little ones. She was very spiritual, read her Bible daily and always lead our family prayers before holiday meals. They both are missed dearly.

A celebration of life will be held for AJ and Connie Keller at Lake View Memorial Gardens on August 24, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

The family would like to thank the staff who took such wonderful care of Connie during her hospice days at Shiloh Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rotary on Wheels, O’Fallon IL in their honor, and will be received at the funeral home.