Janet Schnell Keller, age 81 of Forest Junction, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday December 14, 2011 after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by loving family members at her home. She was born October 21, 1930 in Sheboygan Falls, daughter of the late Ora H. and Cora (Fruit) Breitrick. She graduated from Oshkosh State Teachers College and taught in rural schools in Outagamie and Calumet counties. In 1951 Janet married Donald Schnell and they farmed in rural Brillion. He preceded her in death in 1979. In 1988, she married Lester Keller. She was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Forest Junction, and the United Methodist Women. She taught Sunday school and opened her home for Bible study for many years. She was a member of the Gideons Auxiliary and also served as a 4-H leader for 25 years. Janet was given the Farmer of The Year award for Calumet County in 1985. Janet loved gardening, sewing, cooking, traveling and spending time with family. She demonstrated Christ not only to her family, but to all she came in contact with. Survivors include her husband Lester, 6 children, Wendy (Kurt) McCulloch of West Bend, Connie (Stephen) Westlake of Georgia, Mark (Linda) of Brillion, David (Sue) of Brillion, Steve (Kay) of Shawano, and Dan (Diane) of Bonduel, 19 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Six step children, Dawn (Dave) Van Elzen of Menasha, Jill (Rick) Dowland of Forest Junction, Kandy Keller of Appleton, Lisa (Anthony) Mills of New York ,Stacy (Mike) Powell of Kaukauna, Kyle Keller and special friend Kim Greiling of Forest Junction, 22 step grandchildren, 8 step great grandchildren, a sister Lois (Wallace) Drescher of Appleton, a brother Larry (Sheren) Breitrick of Appleton, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Harriet (Howard) Heimke, Marge Horn, Dorothy Bosserman, Florence Enneper, Walter (Lois) Keller, Earl (Jean) Keller, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Janet was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday December 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion United Methodist Church in Forest Junction. The Rev. Becky Kindschi will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and then at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Janets name. Online condolences may be made at www.wieting-funeralhome.com
