Dr. Waldo Frank Keller, DVM

East Lansing

Passed away peacefully on October 24th after a two year battle with kidney disease. He was 82 years old and lived a full and storied life.

Dr. Keller, or Wally as he was known to friends, colleagues and family, grew up in the small town of Hicksville, Ohio. He was born in 1929 and developed a love of veterinary medicine from his father as well as extensive experience helping his father with farm animals in the community. Wally attended The Ohio University from 1949 to 1953 and earned a degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. As a side note, he drew the short straw and had to stay at the University over the 1950 Thanksgiving holiday, where he attended the legendary snow bowl football game against U of M and actually helped sweep snow from the yard lines so play could continue. He also played junior varsity basketball at Ohio State under legendary head coach Jack Gibbs.

Wally came to Michigan State University, then left to serve his country as first lieutenant in the Strategic Air Command of the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1956 in French Morocco. He met the love of his life, Dr. Mary Jane (Currey) Keller in 1957 and was married to her until her death in 2007. At MSU, Wally served in a number of capacities at the school of veterinary medicine including Assistant Professor (1961), Associate Professor (1964), Professor (1970), Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (1979-1988), Chairperson of Small Animal Science (1968-1979), Acting Dean (1993-1995 and Dean of Veterinary Medicine until his retirement in 1996. He loved jazz music and played trumpet for years with the Geriatric 6 +1 at MSU football games and other functions. Wally was also a distinguished member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, having been bestowed with the high honor of Significant Sig.

Wally is survived by his sister Teresa Lehman, his brother David Neal Keller, his daughter Ann Clifford and son Rick Keller. In addition, Wally had numerous nieces and nephews as well as three grandchildren, Alec, Briana and Ian Keller. Wally will be sadly missed by all and his second home, Norland, Ontario, will never be the same.

A memorial service for Dr. Keller will be held in the spring of 2012 in addition to a private funeral in his hometown for family members.

Contributions to the ongoing science of Veterinary Medicine can be made to: Dr. Waldo F. Keller Educational Center in Veterinary Medicine, Development Office, F130 Vet Med Center, East Lansing, MI 48824-1314, in memory of Dr. Waldo F. Keller.

On-line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com