KELLER, William B.

The Arizona Republic February 11, 2004 William B. Keller, "Wild Bill", was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He graduated from Case Institute of Technology with a degree in Electrical Engineering. While working for NASA in Ohio he pioneered the development of the alternator for both aeronautical and automotive use and the fluorescent light. He married Rosemary Therese Hess on June 16, 1945. In 1957 with 7 children, they moved to Phoenix, AZ. Within a few years the family grew to include 4 more children. He founded Keller Engineering, an electrical and consulting engineering firm. Wild Bill received numerous awards for his architectural lighting designs throughout the world. He was president of IES (Illuminating Engineering Society). He is a "Fellow" with the IEEE, a member of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Thomas Dad's Club and an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout along with 6 of his sons. He was given the Silver Beaver Award in scouting, which is the highest ranking honor awarded for his 65 years of service. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Rosemary Therese Hess Keller; sons, William B. Jr., of Phoenix, Richard Joseph of Loveland, Co; Ronald Andrew of Phoenix; Margaret Keller Jacobson of Scottsdale; Robert Carl of New York; James Christopher of Tempe; Rosemary Therese Dwork of Phoenix; John Francis of Scottsdale; Charlene Keller of Phoenix; Virginia Keller LaJoie of Colorado Springs. Services were at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2132 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix. Whitney & Murphy Arcadia Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.