Our Story

Our Beginnings

Keller Funeral Homes, Inc. first began operation as two sole proprietorships by brothers Gilbert and John Keller. The first funeral home opened in February of 1937, in Fogelsville, under the name of Gilbert F. Keller Funeral Home. The second, located in New Tripoli, is one of the oldest funeral homes in the Lehigh Valley. It originally was founded in 1842 by Jonas Snyder. John purchased it in 1950 under the name of the John F. Keller Funeral Home. Gilbert graduated from Allentown Preparatory School in 1928 and entered Muhlenberg College, where he was enrolled for two years. He received his professional training at the Eckels College of Embalming in Philadelphia, graduating with the Class of 1933. For the next four years, he was associated with Russell Scheirer Funeral Home in Orefield, serving his apprenticeship and gaining practical experience to aid him in his profession. He was assisted in the business by his wife Elizabeth M. (McGuckin) Keller.

In April of 1969, a partnership was formed with his son, Gilbert F. Keller, Jr., a graduate of Parkland High School, Moravian College, and American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Services in New York City, NY. The business was then known as Gilbert F. Keller and Son Funeral Home.

Continuing the Family Business

In 1985, Gilbert, Jr. and his wife Grace S. (Mikylychak) Keller purchased the funeral business from Gilbert, Sr. and Elizabeth. In January of 1986, Gilbert and Grace purchased the John F. Keller Funeral Home in New Tripoli. A corporation was formed in April of 1986, changing the names of both to Keller Funeral Homes, Inc, until the New Tripoli location was closed.

After assisting her husband for many years, Grace, also a graduate of Parkland High School as well as Keystone Junior College, graduated from Northampton Community College with a degree in Funeral Service in 1989. 

Gilbert and Grace have two daughters, one of whom followed into the family business. Amy L. Keller Thomas graduated from Parkland High School and the University of Colorado, Boulder. She entered the Funeral Service Program at Northampton Community College, graduating in 2002. Gilbert, Grace, and Amy continue to serve families in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities.