Keller Gierse

Keller Edward Gierse, formerly of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2007, at Presbyterian Manor, at the age of 60 years. He was born on June 3, 1946, at Farmington, the son of the late Martin and Ailene (Edwards) Gierse. Keller attended St. Paul Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Farmington High School in 1964. Keller attained an Ed. D in Counseling from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is survived by a son, Christopher Gierse and wife Maya, of Phoenix, AZ, three grandchildren, Mark, Andrew and Cole Gierse, a brother, Robert Gierse and wife Nancy, of Farmington, a nephew, Alex Gierse, a niece, Rebekah Smith and husband Andrew of Mountain Home, ID, and a great-nephew, Jonathan. He is also survived by two former spouses with whom he has remained close friends, Nettie Deluca (mother of Christopher K. Gierse, Kellers only child) of Maryville, IL and Mary-Jo Geary of St. Louis, MO. . Friends may call at the Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2007. Visitation will resume on Friday from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Memorial United Methodist Church with Dr. Rick Broadway officiating. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Presbyterian Manor Hospice or the American Diabetes Association.