Obituaries
Harold K. Keller, 89
June 06, 2021
Harold K. Keller, 89, formerly of Mount Joy, died on 6 June 2021 at Brethren Village, Lititz, PA.
He was survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen Keller, and eight children and their spouses: Peggy Crowl (Sam), Patsy Hoffer (Bob), Judy Beiler (Glen), Tim Keller (Brenda), Joette Peters (Dale), Amy Wells (Dave), Matthew Keller (Kristina), and Benjamin Keller. He is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and their eleven spouses, and twenty- eight great grandchildren. Harold was preceded in death by a son, Harold Keith Keller, his parents, Christian and Ethel Keller, his sister Alice Keller Stoner, and his brothers, Galen and Christian Keller.
A sign that read “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you – do ye even so to them,” Matthew 7:12, was on display in Harold’s house and in all aspects of his life. Seeing his family together was his primary delight, and the larger the gathering, the better. Though he joked about us running out of food at the gatherings, we never saw an end to the food or, coincidentally, his love for us.
Harold and Helen modeled a marriage where agreement with one’s spouse was more important than the decision they were making. This was a legacy of unity that is cherished by his children.
Harold and Helen were members of The Worship Center since 1977, and were very involved in the beginning years of the church.
Harold was a graduate of Heidelberg Township High School (1950), and his 8’4” vault made him Lebanon County’s Pole Vault Champion his senior year. He was also a graduate of Reisch Auction School (1960), and The Realtors Institute (1966).
Harold worked at Keller Bros Ford, Eberly’s Furniture Store, Keller Auctions, and Lancaster County Realtor, and ended his working years driving for Manheim Auto Auction. Harold was well known in the community for his work as a realtor, auctioneer, appraiser, and Lancaster County Zoning hearing board member.
Harold’s dream as a child was to become an auctioneer. Together with Helen, he started Keller Auctions in 1960 and opened Keller Cellar (a place for local teens to get together on weekend nights) in the mid 1960’s. Harold was the auctioneer for many benefit auctions throughout the southeast PA area. His favorite was held each June for Lancaster 4-H, where he auctioned off 4-H strawberries for fifty-four years. The highest bid for a quart of strawberries in those fifty-four years was $600.00. He was a member of Southeast Chapter of the Pennsylvania and National Auctioneers Association and inducted into the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Hall of Fame in January 2012.
Harold actively served the Mount Joy Community through work with the Mount Joy Rotary, in which he was a Past President, as well as work on the Mount Joy Borough Council and Chamber of Commerce. He also served as Judge of Elections. For over thirty-five years, Harold and Helen were Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at various events in the local community.
Harold had a number of hobbies, including woodworking and collecting pencils, stamps, canes, and antiques. Harold helped to create a Winross collectors club of America in 1988.
We invite you to celebrate Harold’s life with us at a visitation on Wednesday, June 9th 5:00-8:00 pm, and funeral service Thursday, June 10th at 11:00 am. A time to greet the family will begin at 10:00 am on June 10th. Both events will take place at The Worship Center, 2384 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.
The service will be streamed live at worshipcenter.org/funeral
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Brethren Village and Hospice & Community Care.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
June 17, 2021
What a legacy Mr Keller leaves! Adopting children, helping wherever he could and with a Christian attitude. Take heart, world!
Sonya Hallman
June 12, 2021
Dear Keller Family: Our deepest condolences to each of you. What a wonderful man Harold was! He set a beautiful Christian example for his family, friends and community. God bless you and may his memory live in your hearts forever.
Jim and Peggy Horst Derr
June 11, 2021
My condolences to the Keller family, your father is now in heaven, enjoying a new life. The service was a beautiful tribute to your husband, father and grandfather, he will be missed. Blessings, Ruth Hirst
June 10, 2021
We are saddened by your grief and offer our prayers.
Edward Epright
June 10, 2021
What a well-lived life! His love for family and service to God and community are a legacy not just to family but to all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John and Kathy McKelvey
June 10, 2021
I want to give my condolences to the family. Harold will be missed.
Michele Miller
June 09, 2021
Dear Mrs. Keller and family,
Our condolences and prayers are with each of you. Mr. Keller always had an infectious smile and kind word to say. We always enjoyed his sense of humor. God bless you during this very sad time.
Vernon and Pat Blough
June 09, 2021
What a beautiful family. He left an amazing legacy.
Loved serving and giving to others – truly inspiring
Orpha Hostetter
June 09, 2021
Harold was a fixture inLancaster County. We all loved to attend his auctions since the 60’s. His sense of humor and repertoire were always fun and entertaining! God bless you Harold.
Gary Waters
June 09, 2021
What a blessing to have such a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather! My heart and my prayers are with you all during this difficult time of grief and loss. May you all find peace and comfort in each other.
Kathryn Pearce
June 09, 2021
My Condolences.
Paul Schaffer
June 09, 2021
Dear Helen & Family,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Harold. We had always enjoyed visiting with you and especially attending Harold’s auctions. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time.
Sincerely,
Ray & Lee Laverty
Melbourne, Florida
June 08, 2021
To The Keller Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. But having gotten to know, and work with, some of the members of your company’s inner-circle, I’m sure that Mr. Keller’s life was filled with a sense of great happiness and pride.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Rick Brockley
June 08, 2021
Harold was an icon in the auction business and within the Pennsylvania Auctioneers assoc. he was always level headed and honest, a true mentor to many. I’ve been blessed to know and serve with him.
Ken Hansell
June 08, 2021
Rest in peace it was a joy to have done business with you in the past God’s Speed.
Ronald Walker
June 08, 2021
Our love and condolences to the family and friends of this great man who followed his vision and seen his dream come true.
Daniel Fordham
June 08, 2021
Tim, what an outstandingly full and vibrant life your father had. What a terrific Christian witness he must have been through all those endeavors over the years. Eighty nine years is a full span in just about anybody’s life. I know he’ll leave a hole in a lot of hearts back here on earth, but just imagine him sitting at the feet of Jesus now. What unimaginable joy that must be.
David Trussell
June 08, 2021
What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful Dad. Your family is indeed an inspiration! With much love and sadness for your loss, Jill McKain
- Visitation
- Wednesday, June 09, 2021
- 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- The Worship Center
- 2384 New Holland Pike
- Lancaster, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Thursday, June 10, 2021
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- The Worship Center
- 2384 New Holland Pike
- Lancaster, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Thursday, June 10, 2021
- 11:00 AM
- The Worship Center
- 2384 New Holland Pike
- Lancaster, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
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