Gary Lee Keller

Gary L. Keller of Denver, lost his battle to cancer September 13, 2014 at the Denver Hospice at the age of 61. Gary was born January 13, 1953 in St. Francis, Kansas to Alfred and Martha (Hilt) Keller.

Gary grew up in Vernon, Colorado and was confirmed at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vernon. He graduated from Wray High School with the Class of 1971. Gary went on to Western State College University in Gunnison, Colorado. He received his English major and art minor. He went on to get his Bachelor’s in interior design. When Gary finished college there was barely enough work for teachers, so Gary slowly went into the restaurant business working all the way from Red Lobster to Brown Palace, Cliff Young to catering for Mrs. Coors and others to working at Panzano and his last job at the Wooden Table. Gary loved the Denver restaurant scene and all his friends he met on his journey. Gary had a passion for studying different wines, working himself up as a Captain to Maître D on to Sommelier then on to General Manager. Gary was proud of his accomplishment this year, as he was voted by the City of Denver as best server and sommelier in 2014.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Martha Keller. Gary is survived by his sister, Patricia Nelson and husband, Tim; nieces, Angela Korf (Dave Schmitz); children, Cory, Brandon, and Blake Korf; Sierra (Josh) Hanson and one great-niece, Peyton Korf, nephew, Brett (Jill) Beringer; children, Zekke, Titus, and Maddix and many friends.

A Celebration of his life will be held Friday, September 19, 2014, 10:00 a.m. at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Wray, Colorado with Pastor Timothy Davis officiating. Interment will be held in the Grandview Cemetery in Wray, Colorado.

Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.