John Walter Keller Jr.

On October 12, 2016, John Walter Keller Jr. said good-bye to his family on earth and joined his beloved Ginny in heaven after nearly 94 years of a remarkable life. He was one of seven children, born on November 19, 1922 to John and Isabel in Little Rock, Arkansas. Walt received a Bachelors degree in electrical engineering and Masters degrees in physics and math from the University of Arkansas and began his career in Washington, DC with the Naval Research Laboratories. It was here that he met Ginny. They married in 1951 and began their family. He was involved with various governmental projects, including the testing of atomic bombs in the north Pacific. They moved to Miami with their three children in 1956 and Walter went on to have an illustrious career in the field of biomedical devices. He held patents on multiple cardiac pacemakers, including the first synchronous model and a transcutaneous neuro stimulator for pain relief while their family grew by nine more children. Walter and Ginny traveled extensively and made friends wherever they went. They moved to Tequesta after 44 years in Miami and enjoyed life in the Jupiter Hills golfing community for over 10 years before moving to Allegro, an independent living facility. The staff and residents of Allegro enjoyed the frequent family visitors and hearing stories about life with Walt and Ginny. Being surrounded by his children and grandchildren was his greatest joy and Walt made everyone smile! Even in his last days, he said he didn't want tears, just celebrating and he told new stories that had the family laughing. Walt's sense of humor and love for family will be missed by all. Walter was blessed with his 12 children and their spouses, John (Paula), Greg (Ginny), Karen Meslar (Walt), Ed, Bob, Patty Marraccini (Phil), Tom (Mary), Kathy Focazio (Steve), Theresa Goebel (Dan), David, Stephen (Cassandra), Chris (Lisa), 28 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and too many friends to list. His wife, Ginny (2015), parents, his sisters, Mary Louise, Helen, and Carolyn and brother, JJ preceded him in death. A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Jupiter, Fla. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.