William Keller

ANNA, Ill. -- William E. "Bill" Keller, 70, of Anna died Thursday, May 1, 2003, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Aug. 17, 1932, in Jonesboro, Ill., son of Floyd E. and T. Alice Halterman Keller.

Keller received a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 1954, master's degree from the university in 1956, attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and received a doctorate in history from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

He was employed with State of Illinois Historical Department more than 20 years, retiring as administrative assistant. He compiled and authored many papers, including "Negroes 240 Years in Illinois," a chronology reprinted in the "Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society" in 1963.

Keller was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Jonesboro, Ill., a life member of Illinois State Historical Society, SIU Alumni Association, and Abraham Lincoln Association.

Survivors include a nephew, Jamie Keller of LaCrosse, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Salem Lutheran Church. The Rev. David J. Eidson will officiate. Burial will be in Jonesboro Cemetery.

Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.