On July 29, 2023, Timothy “Tim” Wayne Keller of Cambridge passed away unexpectedly at MHealth Fairview Northland Medical Center in Princeton at the age of 67. Funeral service 11 AM Friday, August 4th at Strike Life Tributes in Cambridge followed by a luncheon. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be one hour after the service at Royalton Memorial Cemetery.
Tim, the youngest of 13 children was born in Princeton, MN on June 24, 1956, to Herbert and Edith (Shaw) Keller. He grew up in rural Braham, graduating from Braham High School in 1975. In 1982 Tim met the three loves of his live, Debbie (Zimmerman) and her two little boys, Mike and Bill who quickly became his world. Tim and Deb married in 1991, eventually working together at CMP in Cambridge until health issues forced him to “retire” by the end of 2001. Even then he refused to slow down finding any excuse to park himself on his tractor or lawn mower, even making a weekly drive up to Milaca so he could mow his youngest son Bill’s yard for almost 7 yrs just “because he could”. Tim’s incredibly giving nature earned him recognition in 2018 after dedicating over 7,000 hours, since 2011, to volunteering at Cambridge Medical Center where he continued to volunteer until his passing. During his life he shared his love for snowmobiling and 3-wheeling with his sons, family and friends. Tim attended New Live Church in Princeton, always looking forward to Sunday service followed by a trip to Burger King that meant just as much. Tim and Deb have always been best of friends and continued that friendship after their divorce in 2016, always supporting each other.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, siblings; Harry, David, Daniel, Robbie, Beverly, Minnie and Audrey Johnson, sisters-in-law; Tara and Vesta; brothers-in-law, Ronald Johnson, Don Shelton, and Don Schwab; and father-in-law, Clarence Zimmerman. He is survived by ex-wife and best friend Deb Keller-Mattson, sons; Bill (Cassie) Keller and Mike (Jolene) Keller, grandchildren; Austin, Hunter, Kadyn, Zane, Ashlyn, Keighan, Aubrynn, Kashton, and Arsen, siblings; Ray, Jim (Bonnie), Dutch (Marie), Edith, and Bill (Denise); sisters-in-law, Becky and Theresa; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
ANGELA CALDWELL says
WE LOST A GREAT ONE, A HUGE EMPTYNESS IS FELT WITH THE LOSS OF TIM HERE AT CMC. HE WAS ALWAYS THERE WHEN YOU NEEDED A LAUGH, SOMEONE TO JOKE WITH OR NEEDED SOMEONE TO CHAT WITH. THAT SMILE AND LAUGHTER WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED.
Billie Jean (Kent) Asmussen says
Tim worked as a machinist for Kent Metal Fab for a couple years in my garage. My late husband, Bill Kent, and Tim made lots of ATV/snowmobile parts together. They also enjoyed snowmobiling the trails between Rush Lake and Grandy with the kids, and spent time doing other fun things besides work. I still have the Yamaha motorcycle that he sold me- that myself and each of my kids learned how to ride on. I have been able to see Tim at the Medical Center as he volunteered regularly for many years. He will be missed, My sympathy to your family.
Kris Campbell says
I worked at Cambridge Medical Center and Tim would always be their to give a helping hand. He also new my husband Chris who he grew up with in Braham. When they scene each other it seem like they’d be talking for hours. Sending prayers to the family he was a great man he will really be missed at Cambridge medical center..
Jodi Hogan says
CMC is not going to be the same without seeing Tim’s smiling face , he was a hard worker and definitely enjoyed his time there volunteering and visiting with patients and staff . He was the funniest guy I have known, we use to give each other a hard time just for the fun of it and that would truly make my day.
Tim keep everyone in line in heaven , till we meet again my dear friend ❤️
Traci Zigan says
I am going to miss Tim so very much!! He always had a smile and brightened everyone’s day including mine!! He was so funny, and I absolutely loved talking to him. I left CMC about 9 months ago but still had the pleasure of talking to Tim from time to time. He was my favorite troublemaker, and I will miss him terribly!! My sympathy to his family, he was an amazing person!!
Mary Gardner says
Tim, I miss the sound of your wheel chair coming down the hallway at Cambridge Medical Center. You could never sneak up on anyone. Who’s pop am I going to hide now? You did an amazing job with organizing and moving the wheelchairs where they needed to be and delivering our devices. You would always listen to us, giving you orders to stand up! Today we shared peanut M&M’s as we stood up in your memory. We will miss you! Your bosses at Hospital Registration.
Kristen Hancuch says
Tim was a great volunteer. Always willing to help out any way he could. He was a gem. You will be missed at CMC.
Tina Tatro says
Tim has touched many lives with his smile and his kindness. CMC was so lucky to have him volunteer for so long and he will be greatly missed ! Heaven has gained a wonderful angel. RIP my friend.
Dave Martin says
Bonnie and family I’m so sorry for your loss. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Audrey Drury says
When Deb married Tim we gained a family member.. It is hard to believe I have known him for over 40 years. He never let his disability define who or what he did. Snowmobile rides picnic in the winter with the boys. Tim on a motorcycle. And he was always there to help Dad when he got older. Watching the 2 of them doing lawn work and just talking so many years. Bless you Tim see you on the other side..
Jayme Pearson says
My last conversation with Tim was here at CMC on 07/28/2023. He was telling me about his weekend coming up. He said to me, are you here on Monday… I said Yup…. He said me too and… ohhhh….Do I got a plan for you…… I said, I can’t wait. :-) He said, I know you can’t! We would always chat like this. I looked forward to chatting with him pretty much every day. I actually made a point to. He was so Kind, Helpful and above all made me laugh. In the Medical Field that’s HUGE. Ummm… When I found out it was him that passed away…. The tears were flowing…. CMC is definitely quieter without him here. I will cherish the conversations we had. Such a Great Volunteer/ Person that I have met!