Louis Joseph Keller, 87, of Edgeley, ND died Sunday, July 11, 2010 at Rosewood on Broadway, Fargo. The family is very grateful for the excellent care given to Louis by Rosewood on Broadway and Hospice of the Red River Valley during this difficult time.

Louis Joseph Keller was born on May 9, 1923, Tenny, MN to Joseph and Agnes (Koziel) Keller. He attended country school through the 8th grade near his home.

He married Bernice Thies on June 28, 1944 in Tintah, MN. Bernice died in 1966. They had 10 children.

He married Mary Ann McDermott on August 6, 1966 in Stirum, ND. Mary Ann died in 1985.

He married Doraine Podoll on November 28, 1987 in Gwinner, ND.

Louis served in the Army during WWII from Jan 25, 1945 to October 29, 1946 as a Staff Sergeant stationed at the Army Air Corps base in Manila, Philippines, and received five decorations, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Philippine Independence Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

In 1947 Louis started Keller Welding, Rothsay, MN as a blacksmith during which time he worked with many local people repairing and building various equipment. He designed and built his first ribbon auger tractor mounted snow blower in 1948 and his first walk behind snow blower in 1949. Farmhand Company was awarded the manufacturing contract to manufacture snow blowers for Louis in 1949. With business growing he asked his brother, Cyril Keller, to join him in 1953. They both worked together and in 1956/57 designed and fabricated the first "Keller Self Propelled Loader". Patent was applied for and granted shortly after. Manufacturing rights for the Loader were awarded to Melroe Mfg. Company, Gwinner, ND shortly after displaying the loader at the 1958 Minnesota State Fair. Both Louis and Cyril then went to work for Melroe Mfg. Company to manage the fabrication of the first "Melroe Self Propelled Loader". They then continued to support the selling and improving of this loader which soon evolved into what is known worldwide as the Bobcat Skidsteer Loader. In the process of working with the needs for the Bobcat, steel over-the-tire tracks for the loader were designed and patented by Louis Keller and manufactured by Loegering Mfg. Inc., Casselton, ND. Like the Bobcat they were also sold worldwide by Loegering Mfg. Inc. In 2004 Loegering Mfg. Inc. was sold to ASV, Grand Rapids, MN who continue to sell these tracks.

In addition to constantly inventing, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Louis was an active member of Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley, ND. His faith was always an important part of his life.

Louis is survived by his wife, Doraine, and her three children: Rick (Laurie) Podoll, Jamestown, ND; Pam (Dale) Strobel, Kulm, ND and Paulette Schlenker, Fargo, ND; 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; his ten children: Marilyn (George) Loegering, Casselton, ND: Jeanette (James) Mathers, Williston, ND: Barbara (Paul) Loegering, Fargo, ND: Diane (Butch) Carff, Pensacola, FL: Patricia (Jerome) German, Hudson, WI: Mary (Rodney) Anderson, Ray, ND: Joseph (Darci) Keller, Wahpeton, ND: Dale (Colleen) Keller, Gwinner, ND: Brian (Marlene) Keller, Fargo, ND; Mark (Ruth) Keller, Eagle River, AK; 52 grandchildren; 77 great grandchildren; three brothers and nine sisters.

Louis was preceded in death by his wives, Bernice and Mary Ann; his parents and his sister, Dorothy.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley, ND.

Rosary Service: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley, ND.

Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley, ND.

Visitation: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church on Wednesday and 1 hour prior to services in the church on Thursday.

Interment: Stirum Cemetery, Stirum, ND, following luncheon on Thursday, July 15, 2010.

Memorials – In lieu of flowers, the family will directed memorials to the organizations that assisted Louis during his battle with cancer.