Donald J. Keller ’54

Don died April 26, 2024.

At New Trier Township (Ill.) High School, he was active in track, crew, and student government.

Majoring in English and the American Civilization Program at Princeton, Don wrote his senior thesis on “Theodore Dreiser’s American Portrayal.” He joined Cap and Gown and participated in varsity track. His Princeton record in the 60-meter hurdles endured from 1954 to 1982.

Don married Virginia Wilson during his two years in the Army. They raised four children — Ann, Jane, Ed, and Amy. Despite the tragic loss of Jane at age 10, their marriage survived with much happiness until Virginia’s death in 1999.

Don earned an MBA in marketing at Northwestern Business School in 1957. He began his career in advertising at the Leo Burnett Co. in 1957. Five years later, he joined General Foods Corp. In 1986, he retired as executive vice president and member of the board of directors and became president of West Point-Pepperell.

In 2004, Don married Martha Myers, who won the hearts of the Keller clan. 

In our 50th-reunion yearbook, Don wrote that “the greatest legacy Princeton left me was an open mind … I always suspected there is more to know … and I am very grateful for that.”

Don is survived by Martha, Ann Keller, Ed Keller, Amy Keller Fox, David Myers, Jane Myers Winch, Amy Myers Peters, 17 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.