Dr. Gerald James Keller, Sr.

Dr. Gerald J. Keller, Sr.

November 20, 1940 - April 16, 2026

Dr. Gerald J. Keller, Sr. passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, age 85.  Dr. Gerald J. Keller, Sr. was a lifelong resident of Reserve, Louisiana, and the German Coast. A devoted educator and historian, he attended Southeastern Louisiana University, Tulane University, Louisiana State University, earning his Ph.D. from the University of New Orleans.

Dr. Keller shared a loving marriage of sixty-one years with Cheryl Michel Keller. Together they raised four children: Dr. Lisa Keller Watson (Darroch), Gerald Keller, Jr., David Keller (Stacey), and Steven Keller (Tami). He was the proud grandfather of Skyler Boudreaux, Kate Watson De La Rosa, Lauren Roy, Dana Watson, Kaiden Keller, Madalyn Keller, Liam Marsters, and Lola Hansen, and the great-grandfather of Dominic Calderon, Nikolai De La Rosa, James Lozier, and Rori Keller.

He was predeceased by his parents, Odette Gueret Keller and Sidney Keller; and his siblings, S.J. Keller, Therese Vicknair, Gloria Perilloux, Morgan Keller, Dolores Keller, and Gene Keller.

Dr. Keller dedicated his professional life to education. He served as a faculty member and administrator at Leon Godchaux High School, Reserve Junior High School, Edgard High School, and Southeastern Louisiana University, where he taught courses in School Law, History of American Education, School Finance, Public School Administration, and more. His leadership roles included serving as principal, school superintendent, and school board president in St. John the Baptist Parish.

A respected historian and author, Dr. Keller wrote three books on St. John the Baptist Parish and was recognized as an expert on German Prisoner of War Camps in Louisiana during World War II. He was an active member of many civic and cultural organizations, including the German-Acadian Coast Historical and Genealogical Society, the Louisiana Historical Association, Phi Delta Kappa, .  Deutsches Haus, Msgr. Jean Eyraud Knights of Columbus Council #2436, and the Godchaux House Restoration Project.

Dr. Keller’s life was defined by his love of learning, commitment to community, and deep devotion to family. His influence as an educator and historian will continue to resonate throughout the region he so passionately served.

Relatives and friends of the family, Priest and parishioners of St. Peter Catholic Church, all neighboring Churches and employees of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at 11:30am on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1550 LA-44, Reserve, LA  70084.  Rev. Ray Hymel-Celebrant.  Visitation will be from 8:30am until the time of  Mass at the above-named Church.  Entombment St. Peter Catholic Church Mausoleum, Reserve, LA.  Final Arrangements entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC.  605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068.  985-359-1919.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, Reserve, Louisiana.