Beverly Keller

Beverly Jean Keller, 92, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 4, 2025.

Bev was born on September 17, 1933, at home to Lloyd and Flossie Dumpprope in Donnelly Township in Northwestern Minnesota near the tiny town of Stephen. She grew up in a loving family, settling in the Backus, MN, area for much of her life. She married Aaron Zaffke Jr. in 1959. They had three children, Aamber, Blair, and Celeste. After Aaron’s death in 1985, Bev would eventually meet her soulmate, Fred Keller, and they were married June 25, 1988. Bev and Fred were inseparable for 37 years, enjoying many adventures together across the United States; fishing, metal detecting, and camping with their grandchildren. They loved playing cards and board games together. Bev took great care of her Freddie during his illness and was by his side when he passed away in May at their home in Backus.

Bev was a hard worker with many talents and passions, but her main talent was cooking for her family and friends. Bev and Aaron operated Twin City Dragstrip and Speedway for many years, with Bev running the food stands, serving tens of thousands of spectators and drivers every summer. She loved cooking the Hunter’s Dinner for the Backus American Legion Auxiliary, serving many hundreds of dinners each year. Bev had her own beauty salon for years; women came from all over the Twin Cities to have Bev do their hair. She was a master at knitting, crocheting, and embroidery and created many pieces that are true works of art. She loved people and waitressed and cooked into her 80’s. At 82, she drove to Apache Junction, AZ, from Backus, MN, by herself to waitress for a friend who was in need of help. That was mom!

Bev loved her savior, Jesus Christ, her family, and her country. She was a proud member of the Backus American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, serving as past president. She loved her luncheons with the Red Hat Society, enjoying the company of like-minded women. Bev was a solid community member and the world was a better place with her in it.

Bev is survived by her son, Blair Zaffke (Garnet); daughter, Diana Miller (Randy); sister, Angel Fry (Greg); brother, Tom Johnson (Mary); nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Bev is preceded in death by her husbands, Fred and Aaron; daughters, Aamber and Celeste; brother, John; and sister, Pat.

A heart-felt gratitude goes out to her grandchildren, Shauna and Jimmy, and her cherished special friends, Larene, Judy, Pam, Jim, Terrie, Arnie, Dave, Wanda, and many others for taking such good care of Bev and Fred during the last year.

Please join us for a celebration of Bev’s incredible life on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 12-3 PM at the American Legion in Backus, MN.