Robert Francis Xavier “Bob” Keeler, 81, of DeKalb, Illinois, died Friday, October 2, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born November 4, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, to William E. Keeler Sr. and Frances Redington Keeler. The middle of three sons, he grew up in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and graduated from Marquette High School in Milwaukee in 1962.

Bob served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967, including a year in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. When his military service ended, Bob returned to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater on the GI Bill and graduated in 1971. That summer, he joined H. G. Siepert & Company in Beloit and passed the CPA exam on his first attempt. He helped expand the firm into Illinois by opening an office in 1976 and moved his family to Sycamore. He became a partner in 1980. After retiring from Siepert in December 2008, he worked part-time during tax season for several years and continued serving clients, including Dorr-Wood Ltd. in Woodstock. A reflection of his lasting dedication, this December would have marked 50 years of service to that organization and his planned full retirement.

On January 1, 1997, Bob married Lin Marie Sester in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. For the past 15 years, they spent their winters in Arizona. They shared a love of adventure and motorcycle riding with trips to Wyoming, around Lake Michigan, and back from Arizona. Bob worked hard and played hard. He loved riding motorcycles, the wind in his face and the camaraderie of fellow riders. He belonged to Blue’s Angels in Arizona and Flying Crown Riders in Wisconsin. He also loved fishing, making spring and fall trips to Lac Seul, Ontario, in pursuit of “the big one.” He was a well-loved man who surrounded himself with friends, and once someone became his friend, they were a friend for life.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lin; his daughters, who were his pride and joy, Holly and Dana (Greg); his granddaughters, Jillian and Carys; and his step-grandson, Tim.

He is also survived by his stepson, Jerome; his step-grandchildren, Autumn (Jonathan), Isabelle, and Darshon (Sara); and his nephew William (Cassie).

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, William E. Keeler Jr.; and his younger brother, Gregory Burt Keeler.

Private family services have been held. 

A celebration of Bob’s life will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Kishwaukee Country Club, 1901 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Bob’s honor to a veterans’ organization of your choosing, such as your local VFW or American Legion, or American Legion Post 375 in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Vietnam veterans held a special place in his heart. He proudly flew the American and the POW/MIA flags at his home and was a 60-year member of American Legion Post 375.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com