J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Mourns Loss of Founder

Home » In Memory... » News Release - June 14, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 14, 2007)

Neenah, WI — It is with great sadness and regret that we inform you of the death of John J. “Jack” Keller, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Mr. Keller, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday at his Town of Clayton home.

Jack Keller is being remembered as a highly driven, engaging employer, who was extremely dedicated to his family and friends, to his company, and to the community.

In 1953, Jack and his wife, Ethel, founded J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. The company grew under Jack’s strong work ethic and keen business sense, expanding its offerings over the years to meet an ever-changing business environment. With headquarters in the Town of Vinland, west of Neenah, J. J. Keller has grown into a world-class publishing, printing and service organization serving over 300,000 customers throughout North America and beyond, with an offering of over 6,000 products, and a staff of nearly 1,200 associates.

Jack was well known for his charitable efforts. In 1991, in honor of his wife Ethel’s 70th birthday, Jack set up the Keller Foundation, Ltd. (now the J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc.), which provides charitable funding to many worthwhile groups within the local community and throughout the state and nation.

In 1994, the John J. & Ethel D. Keller Donor Advised Fund through the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc. was established, and now supports more than 300 non-profit organizations within the Fox Valley.

Jack’s business success and philanthropic activities did not go unnoticed. The Paper Industry International Hall of Fame inducted Jack Keller in 2001 for his contributions to the growth and advancement of the paper industry. In 2004, Jack received the Appleton West High School Hall of Fame Award, in recognition of alumni business successes and exceptional community involvement.

Over the years, the Keller family’s commitment to the community has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2003 Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the 2005 Walter L. Rugland Community Service Award.

With many other charitable contributions planned, Jack and Ethel’s philanthropic efforts will continue to move forward.

Two of Jack and Ethel’s sons, Robert, (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), and James, (President and Chief Operating Officer), along with three of their grandchildren, will guide the company in its commitment to carrying Jack’s success and vision into the future. J. J. Keller will continue to offer unparalleled product and service solutions that simplify compliance, enhance safety and streamline best-practices for its customers.

Jack Keller was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel, in December 2004. He is survived by three sons; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 19 at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Appleton. With profound respect and appreciation, we ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be given to the John J. & Ethel D. Keller Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc.

Jean Bilitz 1-800-843-3174, ext. 7304 E-mail: jbilitz@jjkeller.com
or
Janal Emmer 1-1-800-843-3174, ext. 2720 E-mail: jemmer@jjkeller.com