Darin Paul Keller, 56, was a lover of all things farming, fishing, football, family and friends. Darin passed away May 22, 2023, while fishing with his best friend and love of his life, Wendy, in Glen Elder, Kansas.
Darin was born to Charles Eugene Keller and Mary Jean (Sand) Keller on April 2, 1967, in Lincoln. He was one of four children. Darin graduated from Wilber-Clatonia High School in 1985. On May 12, 1990, Darin married his life-long buddy, Wendy Ann Hayek, of Wilber. They were blessed with two sons, Seth (aka Sonny) and Zack (aka Fuzz). Darin was most proud of his sons and the fact that they were both involved in agriculture and the family farm. Throughout the years, Darin, Wendy and the boys spent endless hours fishing in Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, Canada and Cabo.
More recently, Darin enjoyed being the life of the party at Morningside football tailgates, and for that matter, at every other event he was at. If Darin wasn’t at a football game or farming, he was fishing and spending time with family and friends. Darin was not “just an acquaintance” with anyone. You either just met him, or you were his best friend – there was no in-between. This is how Darin lived life – all gas, no breaks (go Mustangs!). His contagious, distinctive laugh filled the room. He gave his full attention to anyone he was speaking with (and demanded yours as well). The countless memories, stories, and great times with Darin will definitely be shared and talked about for many, many years to come.
Darin is survived by his wife of 33 years, Wendy of Wilber; sons; Seth Keller (Jordan), and Zack Keller (Meredith Hoffman), both of Western; mother, Mary Jean Keller of Wilber; mother-in-law, Karen Hayek of Wilber; siblings, Michael (Carla) Keller, of Wilber, Deborah (Corey) Mitchell of Katterbach Base in Ansbach, Germany, and Cristen (Stephen) Frazier of Hope Mills, North Carolina; and brother-in-laws, Doug (Hillary) Hayek and Daryl (Roxy) Hayek, both of Wilber. He also leaves behind Buck (Chelsey), Bentley (aka Fred) and Bryar Myers; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and an immeasurable amount of close friends. He was proceeded in death by his father, Charles Keller (Czech Days Charlie); father-in-law, Myron Hayek; and infant niece Emily Cristen Frazier.
A private family funeral service for Darin was May 26. Following the service, it was Darin’s wishes to be cremated. There was one special music selection for Darin’s service, “Two Car Garage” by B.J. Thomas and one special poem, “So God Made A Farmer” by Paul Harvey.
At Darin’s request, the family has opted to have a Celebration of Life (party) to laugh, tell stories and celebrate. Everyone is invited to join the family on Friday, June 2, starting at 4 p.m., at Keller Farms (1709 County Road 1350, Wilber). A private family burial of ashes will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Arrangements by Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva.
