Laurence "Larry" Keller

Laurence E. "Larry" Keller, age 83, of Castalia, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky.  

Larry was the first son born to Laurence F. and Ethal (Good) Keller, in Venice, OH, on January 25, 1935.  Early on he was nicknamed "DeDee" by his family.  Larry was a graduate of Margaretta High School in 1953.  He served in the Ohio National Guard Self Propelled Artillery Division.  After graduation, he followed in his father's footsteps.  He became a member of the Ohio Operating Engineers Local 18, Cleveland.  He was a crane operator for several years and later moved into the Industrial Demolition field where he was highly respected.  The highlight of his career was the implosion of the Sohio Building to make way for the BP headquarter in downtown Cleveland.  After his retirement, he owned and operated Sandy Knoll Driving Range for several years.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sandusky.  He also was a member of the Sandusky Orioles Nest #1397,  Bellevue Eagles #490, Clyde Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #393, life member of the NRA,  and  the Cleveland Operating Engineers Local 18; where he was recently recognized for 60 years service.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette (Ruthsatz) Keller, to whom he was married 61 years; daughter Pamela (Gary) Rickenbaugh, grandson Jason Rickenbaugh, granddaughter Lauren Shaffer, great granddaughters Jayla and Kacie Cruse; son Timothy (Denise Christman) Keller, Conner Christman; granddaughter Amber (Brice) Gahler, great grandson Cohen, and great granddaughter Emeli; son Ricky Keller (deceased 2002); daughter Tracy (Mark Sims) Keller; sister Patricia Hofstatter; brothers Thomas (Judy), James, Gary (Carol) Gregory (Karen), Keith, Mark (Lynn), and Jeff; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.   

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Laurence and Ethel (Good) Keller; brothers Fredrick and Charles; sister June Blakesly; brother in-law George Hofstatter, and sister in-law Wanda (Adams) Keller.

At the request of the decedent, there will be no visitation, A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church 429 Central Ave., Sandusky.   Burial will be in Castalia Cemetery.  Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, Castalia, is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church; Margaretta Fire Dept, 113 South Ave., Castalia, OH 44824; and Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com  

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