Freeman Alex Keller, 81, of Anna died Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, at Union County Hospital, following a brief illness.

He was born July 31, 1923, in Coulterville, Ill., son of Andrew and Jennie Hodge Keller. He and Marjorie Liske were married Jan. 27, 1943.

He retired from Northwestern Steel and Wire in Sterling, Ill., where he worked 30 years. After moving to Anna he was a custodian at Mount Moriah Lutheran Church. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455.

He served with Patton's Fifth Army during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Alex "Mike" Keller of Thousand Oaks, Calif., Marvin Keller of Tiskilwa, Ill., Jerry Keller of Makanda, Ill.; a daughter, Eileen Noone of Mahomet, Ill.; two sisters, Yonia McClain of St. Libory, Ill., Viola Bittle of Chico, Calif.; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.

Friends may call at Crain Funeral Home in Anna from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday. A prayer service will be held at 8.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Monsignor Dennis Schaefer and Dr. Richard Hertenstein officiating. Burial will be in National Cemetery at Mound City, Ill., with full military honors by VFW Post 3455.