Obituary of Thomas Jon Keller

Thomas Jon Keller February 10, 1959 - August 20, 2021

Keller, Thomas Jon age 62 of Lakeville passed away August 20, 2021 peacefully at home surrounded by his family and his dog Zoey. Through Tom we know what resilience and perseverance truly looked liked during his courageous battle with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer; he was a warrior and never gave up the Battle. The autumn of Tom’s life came too soon, he will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

Tom is preceded in death by his baby brother Ray, mother Joyce, nephew Joey, and father and mother-in-law Ray and Joyce Sundblad.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years Barby (Sundblad), and their children Jennifer (Jules) Gonzales and Nick (Sommer) Myogeto. Also survived by his father Basil (Lorraine) Keller, siblings Deb (Andy) Albrecht, Mike (Linda) Keller, Barb (Rick) Hensch, Vicki Keller, Angie (Dave) Larson. Sister-in-laws Debbie (Larry) Odens and Judy (Myron) Guhlke and 8 grandchildren, Tyler, Kaity, Max, Kaiya, Hunter, Rylan, Charlee and Wyatt along with uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tom was born to Basil and Joyce Keller on February 10, 1959 in Breckenridge MN. He grew up working on his Dad’s farm in Tenney, MN and through all that experience working alongside his Dad and Uncles he learned how to fix any and everything. He graduated from Campbell-Tintah High School in 1977. Tom attended Moorhead Tech Auto Mechanic School, Dakota Aero Tech for Airline Mechanic, and then Saint Paul College for Pipefitting.

Tom had many farm related jobs prior to Airline Mechanic School. He traveled to combine in multiple states, worked at Triple R Farm Equipment and Northern Pipe in Fargo. He then attended and graduated from Dakota Aero Tech and got a job at Northwest Airlines as an aircraft mechanic where he worked for just about 20 years; it was his dream job. Tom left that job due to an Airline strike where he could not work for a company whose values did not align with his. Tom went back to school to be a Pipefitter, and for the last several years he enjoyed his new career and the great friends he made there. Tom was an active member of the Steamfitters-Pipefitters Local 455. Tom retired in April 2020 and planned on traveling with his wife and Zoey in a RV across the US. Tom and Barb would have been married for 30 years on September 28, 2021 and lived their married life in Lakeville, MN.

Tom had multiple hobbies including HAM Radio/Computer where he had many friends that he talked to weekly in our area and also talked to people across the world, including astronauts. He loved the beauty and peacefulness of rivers and lakes; Tom and Barby spent a lot of time on the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. Then 17 years ago they bought a seasonal place on North Long Lake in Brainerd, MN. Tom loved spending all his time at the lake when he was not working. He loved fishing and being out on the pontoon with family and friends. He also loved taking care of his beautiful yards and did an amazing job doing so.

Tom was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather (no one was a more proud and loving Grandpa) and friend. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Allina Virginia Piper Cancer Institute and Radiology Staff, the University of Minnesota, and Mayo Clinic. A special thank you to Dr. Neel Trivedi, Michelle Bliss, NP, Jill May, RN, and Infusion Center Staff, Kaity, Sue, Don, and Shannon.

Today we are recognizing Pancreatic Cancer, and honoring those who have been impacted, by wearing and displaying “Purple for a Purpose.”

A reception to follow depending on Covid. Adults only please. Per Edina Chapel, face masks required, and will be provided by the family.