Vilma went home to her eternal rest on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from natural causes. Vilma was born in Black River Falls, daughter of the late Thomas and Clarinda (Behnke) McGowan; they moved many times before settling in Appleton, WI.  Vilma graduated from Appleton East High School.  She married Elmer Keller on September 13, 1951. Elmer passed in 1980.  Mom lived a busy 88 years, being the mother to 11 children, a dairy farmer, and working outside of the home as well.  Vilma also maintained a large garden every year, for something to keep the kids busy and to stock the shelves with the lovely preserved homegrown bounty.  There was always something to do, and we learned quickly to not say "I'm bored"!

Vilma is survived by her daughters: Lorraine (Dean) Schroepfer, Mary (Dan) Friebel, Betsy (Randy) Kent, Jeanne (Mike) Frazier, Patricia Stirn, Jackie (Rod) Beyer, and Sheri (Russ) Beyer; sons: Richard Keller, Joseph (Pennie) Keller, and Mike (Gayle) Keller; daughter-in-law Cindy Keller.  Grandchildren:  Niccole Gussert, Tami Johnson, Kristy Keller, Jenny Klismet, Hunter Keller, Grace Keller, Alyssa (Dan) Forslin, Natalie (Devin) Friday, Tony (Stephanie) Kent, Dan (Miranda) Kent, Christa (Aaron) Cupp, Caryn Frazier, August (Kristine) Stirn, Aaron (Tara Marten) Beyer, step-grandchildren, Rachel (Aaron) Bennett, Becky (Jordan) McCue, Rob (Jen) Friebel and Kay (Ryan) Myers.  Great-grandchildren:  Karleigh, Lauren, Cole, Garrett, Bodee, Chloe, Caden, Adeline, Genevieve, Kendall, Walker and BraeLyn, Madelynn, Olivia, Isabelle and Charlotte, Briley and Amelia, Danica, Mikaiah, Matthew & Morgan Friebel and Charlotte & Kailyn Myers and one to arrive soon.

She is further survived by sisters, Sharon McGowan, and Debra (Tony) Sonneleitner, brother Donald McGowan, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Waiting to greet Vilma in heaven are husband Elmer, son Elmer Paul, grandson Damian Keller, great-granddaughter Brianna; maternal mother and father, brother Rodney, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends, Mary Geise and Eileen Stoeger.

The family would like to thank the Washington Center staff and ThedaCare Hospice for their compassionate care for mom.  We felt blessed to have them assisting us.

Private family services will be held.