Joann Theresa Keller

Joann Theresa Keller (nee Schultz), 81, of Frisco, TX, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 surrounded by her family. Joann was born in East St. Louis, IL on September 17, 1942, to Lawrence and Agnes (Suchomski) Schultz. She grew up in Nashville, IL and married Art Keller at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bradley, IL in 1968. Joann attended college at Eastern Illinois University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a University letter in athletics participation and was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. She initiated graduate school at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. She went on to teach physical education and coach track and field at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School (Bradley, IL) and Bishop McNamara Catholic High School (Kankakee, IL). She was an exemplary coach according to her former students. Renee Powell-Bachman of San Antonio stated “Mrs. Keller was a coach, dear friend, and mentor. Students considered it a privilege to have Joann in their life. She always believed in her students and was an inspiration to them. She provided dedication that has never left their hearts. Joann’s love, spirit and positive thinking always inspired students. Throughout my life, Coach Keller was my biggest fan and guide; I am eternally grateful for having God to place Coach Keller in my life. Coach Keller’s love and spirit molded me; I would not be what I am today without her guidance, love, and friendship.” Another former student, Dr. Kathy Ray-Price M.D. of Wisconsin stated “It’s her philosophy that you’ve got to believe. Coach Keller always said if you want to be something bad enough, you can get it, and I really believe that. Coach Keller told us what we can be, and she’s made us what we are.” Coach Keller and her students were able to achieve much athletic success at the State level in Illinois. After her career in teaching and coaching, Joann was a co-owner of Customized Relational Technology, Inc. and Customized Technology, Inc. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening and raising flowers. She also loved animals – especially her cat “Buddy”. Upon retirement, Joann was able to enjoy two of her greatest loves – traveling and her grandchildren. She truly loved the time she spent with her grandchildren Annah, Lauryn, and Elizabeth and was affectionately known as Grammy. She especially enjoyed taking them to such places as Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Alaska, Canada, the British Isles, and cruising the Bahamas with Disney. She also enjoyed traveling across the United States and took many scenic trips on Amtrak. Joann loved all sports and was one of the biggest St. Louis Cardinals fans. One of the highlights of her life was attending several World Series games in 2006, 2011, and 2013 to see the Cardinals play in-person with the high point of being in Busch Stadium when the Cardinals won the World Series in 2006. She also attended the Final Four in 2005 to see her beloved Fighting Illini play. Most recently, she enjoyed watching her grandchildren compete in tennis, soccer, and cross-country. Joann is survived by her husband, Art Keller of Frisco, TX; daughter Karen (Jamie) Berg of Frisco, TX; grandchildren Annah Victoria, Lauryn Sophia, and Elizabeth Grace Berg of Frisco, TX; siblings Louis Schultz of Quartzsite, AZ; Charles Schultz of Ashley, IL; Linda Schultz of Ashley, IL; and Fred (Clara) Schultz of Burkesville, KY; and niece Elise Brandenburg of Du Quoin, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Rosemary Brandenburg. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Peterman, MD and Jennifer Corrales, MSN, APRN for their exceptional care provided to Joann. Additionally, the family thanks Dr. Brandon Hill and the medical staff associated with the CCU at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Plano, TX. A memorial visitation will be held from 10 a.m. - Noon on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. A graveside service will follow the visitation at Mound Grove Gardens of Memory, 1000 North Greenwood Avenue Kankakee, IL. Donations in Joann’s name can be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 8000 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco, TX, 75033.

Joann Theresa Keller

September 17, 1942 - June 12, 2024