Frank W. Keeler, 52 of Watersmeet, MI, passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN with his family at his side.

Frank was born in Chicago Heights, IL on October 31, 1970, the eldest son of Patricia J (West) and Frank W Keeler.  Frank attended St Joseph School, Menomonie, WI and graduated from Regis High School, Eau Claire, WI 1989.  At that time, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America.  He furthered his education at St. John's University, Collegeville, MN, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History 1993.  Frank then completed his Master of Arts degree in American History while at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 1995.

Frank began his teaching career at Florence High School, Florence, WI and finished at Lakeland Union High School, Minocqua, WI teaching Political Science, AP Government, AP Comparative Government, and Sociology.  He also served as an active advisor for school clubs Teen Court, Mock Trial, and Model UN, leading students to regional, national, and international competitions and conferences.  Dedicated to student achievement through academic rigor and experiential education, he gave maximum effort to that cause, and expected nothing less in return.

Frank worked summers near his home at Bent's Camp Resort on the Cisco Chain of Lakes, educating a different kind of student on the ways of the walleye.  Frank loved the independent lifestyle at his home in the UP of Michigan, but also loved travel, tripping from the Canadian Shield wilderness to the canyons of Lower Manhattan and many points in between.

Frank is remembered for his strong work ethic, independent mind, and dedication to excellence, both in himself and in those he taught.  His legacy is written in the hearts and minds of those he influenced.  He is survived by his parents, younger brother, John, and sister, Megan, close friends, and countless former students.

Catholic Funeral Mass will be 12:00 PM Friday December 2, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie, WI, Father John Mano officiating.  Visitation will be in the church from 10:00 AM to the time of service.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to fund an academic scholarship in Frank’s name and sent to: P.O. Box 832, Menomonie, WI  54751

Condolences

1. Michael Jones November 20, 2023, at 11:31am

   Dear Frank, I am sorry you are no longer here. I remember visiting Washington DC with you and getting separated from the group. We had our own adventure just the same. Thank you for teaching. You were made of the right stuff and my daughter was a fortunate benefactor of your sincere passion in your classes and as a member of Model UN. Florence was much better for your time spent there. Rest well.

2. Kevin Baxter May 17, 2023, at 3:49am

   Met Frank years ago at Bents and annually looked forward to our discussions on the Cisco Chain. Will miss his friendship and exchanging stories. Rest my friend.

3. Jacob Edwards March 4, 2023, at 6:36pm

   I’m so thankful for Mr. Frank Keeler…. He helped me get my public speaking. I’m thankful that he was my political science teacher back in 2005.

4. Kasey Theobald-Wayman December 6, 2022, at 4:19pm

   Mr. Keeler- one of a kind! Great teacher and person! He will be missed dearly!

5. Martha Handrick December 3, 2022, at 12:25am

   It was an honor to know, teach with and admire Frank during our many years together at LUHS. He was a wonderful man and a natural teacher, who cared for and was energized by his students. We talked many times about young people, and he was constantly troubled by their lack of grit and desire to learn, but at the same time was inspired by their personal journeys and those who did work passionately to achieve. I will be forever grateful for having known Frank. I will miss him greatly.

6. Justice Varsho December 2, 2022, at 11:13pm

   Frank was in Scouts with me in Troop 47 in Menomonie. He was an incredible friend as well as teaching me how to find solace in nature. When I was hospitalized my freshman year in high school, Frank and his dad came to see how I was and that helped me tremendously in healing.

   Today at the funeral I saw the impact of his teaching as it appeared that a lot of past and present students were at the funeral.

   I wish we could have spoken more as adults so that I could have expressed my gratitude for the impact he had on me as a friend and Scout and how I have tried to carry that into the career choices I have made.

7. Nina Saulic December 2, 2022, at 10:41am

   My heartfelt condolences to the family. Keeler was one of the most gifted teachers I have met in my life. He was one of a kind and I am sorry for the students who will never be able to experience a class with him. He taught my four children at LUHS and they are better people for having been in his classes. Two of my children participated in Mock Trial and Model UN and he took them places and gave them experiences we couldn't . One of my sons is a teacher because of Keeler. Keeler inspired students to be their best, to be good human beings. The world needs many more people like Keeler.

8. Leonard Larsen December 1, 2022, at 6:51pm

   What separates teaching from most professions is the opportunity you are given to empower young people to discover, equip, believe and achieve life confidence and vocational passion.

   Frank Keeler understood that "Calling" as much as anyone I ever worked with for the last 44 years.

   He truly was one of the most sefless teacher I have ever met. He had such incredible resolve to help all students at all times. His life schedule was truly determined by the needs of his students.

   He approached every student with unrelenting determination and zeal. Purposeful in his pursuit of driving all students to be activate participants in what he felt was the goal of education: create a classroom environment that will propel students in becoming outstanding citizens who will be contributers to the needs of their local community.

   Frank Keeler will be truly missed by all, but lived his professional life to the fullest.

9. Jenny Tobias November 30, 2022, at 9:36pm

   To the Keeler family so sorry for your loss. Mr. Keeler meant so much to my four children who were lucky to have him as their teacher at LUHS. He was selfless and taught thru example and setting a standard. He will be so missed. He showed compassion to students who needed it without effort.

10. Eileen Pugh November 30, 2022, at 11:18am

    Will always remember the dedication to the education of young adults! Honored to have been his friend while we both taught at FHS.

11. Alan Donaldson November 30, 2022, at 10:36am

    At Florence High School, Mr. Keeler furthered my love for politics and government that started when I was young.

    Together with Mr. Keeler we put together our first Model UN delegation and attended a conference in Milwaukee. My first conference as a 15 year old, with the help of Mr. Keeler, I gave a speech in front of the 1,000 attendees.

    The following year, we kept the tradition of Model UN after Mr. Keeler left for Lakeland and I remember running into him at the conference and he was proud to see us continuing after he left.

    I stayed in contact with Mr. Keeler in college where I boasted to him about my attendance at 6 Model UN conferences in Canada and the US and winning numerous awards all thanks to lessons learned from Mr. Keeler.

    The last time I talked to Mr. Keeler was via email after I completed my internship in Washington, DC with a congressman. I thanked Mr. Keeler for the springboard he gave me and for setting the highest expectations for all of his students and himself to maintain those expectations.

    Now as an employee of the government and someone who is involved in local politics, I can’t stress enough the importance that Mr. Keeler played in shaping the person I am today in the short time I knew him. He has made a lasting impact on many students and his passing is a loss for all.

12. Jessi Roherty November 29, 2022, at 10:24pm

    I can say, on behalf of Florence high school students ..he will be greatly missed and always remembered. He was truly a great educator and man.

13. Sampada Mudgalkar November 29, 2022, at 1:53pm

    Sorry to hear about your family’s loss dear Megan. Sending hugs and prayers your way.

14. Scott Yukel November 29, 2022, at 12:59pm

    Pat and family,

    Sherri and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. If your son was anything like you, there is no doubt he was an amazing teacher! God bless you and your family during this tough time.

    Scott and Sherri Yukel

15. Savannah Morris November 29, 2022, at 11:28am

    I am so sorry for your loss, and I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

16. Barb Ducklow November 29, 2022, at 11:14am

    Frank,Pat and family: So sorry to hear about Frank Jr. Sending my deepest sympathy to all of you!! I know a man by the name of Bill who will be looking for Frank as he enters Gods place to discuss Canada, and fishing!! They will have so much fun together!! Love to all!

17. Lisa R November 27, 2022, at 7:52pm

    While I did not have the personal pleasure of knowing Frank, I’ve come to know some of the beautiful person through his sister, a friend of mine. I’m sending my love and condolences to his family and to all the students and friends he worked with during his career.

18. William and Bonnie DeHoff November 27, 2022, at 11:30am

    Words cannot express the depth of our sympathy.

19. Howard Campbell November 26, 2022, at 8:28pm

    Frank was an outstanding young man and I know he was a great teacher.I feel terrible at his passing as do those who knew him at Regis. He is in my prayers. Howie Campbell

20. Vincent Bradley November 26, 2022, at 12:11pm

    Condolences to the Keeler family and thanks to John for reaching out. Frank is an old friend from our days at Marquette University. Frank impressed me as exceptionally bright, hard-working, and possessed of a great laugh and wonderful sense of humor. I spent quite a bit of time talking history, politics and sports with Frank. He was great company and an extremely loyal person. I know he became a demanding, kind, and forward-looking educator who went above and beyond for his students. Frank will be missed by myself, and so many others, who were fortunate to know him during his days at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Frank was an exceptional person and I count myself blessed for having known him.

21. Pam Bowe November 25, 2022, at 5:06pm

    Although I did not have Frank as a student, I definitely was aware of how intelligent, hard working, and creative Frank was as a student at Regis. I was fortunate to have taught John and Megan and to get to know his parents so I know how much your hearts are hurting. It is evident Frank influenced so many lives as a teacher and example of how to live life to the fullest.

22. Sherri Murdza November 25, 2022, at 11:53am

    I’m so sorry to hear about Frank. Sadly, I didn’t get to meet him until July of 2020. He was helping my uncle & aunt a great deal & always without hesitation. He was a genuine, reliable & humble man & will be missed tremendously!

23. Cheryl Slind November 24, 2022, at 2:37pm

    Our deepest sympathies on the loss of Frank. Thinking of you and sending prayers.

24. Mark Noll November 24, 2022, at 12:18am

    So sorry to hear this news. I want to send my Condolences and prayers to the Family.

25. Bill Eckerstorfer November 23, 2022, at 6:52pm

    Sympathies to the Keeler family. Tremendous lose for the students of LUHS and all of the Lakeland communities. Frank put the utmost time and effort into developing knowledge based learners.

26. Steve and JoAnn, Trever,Brent November 23, 2022, at 3:32pm

    Sending Prayers and hugs your way

27. Cheryl Hovde November 23, 2022, at 12:53pm

    So sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Our sympathy and prayers for your family.

28. Mary Lansing November 23, 2022, at 10:33am

    So sorry to hear of your son's passing. Your family is in our prayers. May God grant you peace.

29. Lori Siegler November 22, 2022, at 5:09pm

    I had the privilege of working with Frank for many years. I was in his classroom supporting students with special needs. I loved the way he taught students to think and to use their voices. He was an amazing teacher he will never be forgotten.

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