Dexter Lee Keller

Traverse City – Dexter Lee Keller, 86 of Traverse City passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025 at Munson Hospice House.

Dexter was born on July 25, 1939 in Zeeland to the late Harry and Eleanor (Gorniewicz) Keller. On August 24, 1963 he married Arlene "Sue" Bassett in Grand Rapids.

Dexter was a counselor for secondary education for over 36 years in the Roseville Community School District. Following his retirement in 1999, he fulfilled his dream of moving up north and living in Traverse City.

In his free time, he enjoyed playing cribbage, hunting, fishing, kite flying and all things sports related. He also loved to cruise on his Goldwing Motor Cycle. He had many wonderful friends and in later years enjoyed happy hour in the driveway with his neighbors. He also loved to go on cruises and travel to Beaver Island. He was also a proud member of the Elks Club, the First United Methodist Church in Warren until 1999 and then at Central United Methodist Church. Some of his happiest times were spent at his "happy place"; on the beach at Pointes North on beautiful East Bay.

Dexter was preceded in death by his wife, parents, in-laws LaVern and Rhea Bassett and brother Max.

Dexter is survived by his daughter Nicole (Terry) Shepardson; son Thom; granddaughter Mayzee; sisters-in-law Marcia (Richard) Morse and Ann Keller; brother-in-law Al (Bonnie) Bassett; nieces and nephews Daniel, Randall, Jason, Betsy, Kent and Kelsey and many good friends and neighbors.

Happy Hour with charcuterie and a toast in his honor will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 5 to 7 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

The funeral service will also be held at the funeral home on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11 am with visitation beginning one hour prior. He will be laid to rest in the Central United Methodist Church Columbarium on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 11 am.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the Elks Foundation. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with his family.