James Goerge

Keeler

James George Keeler, of Toledo, passed away on June 18, 2023 at Hospice of NW Ohio-Toledo at the age of 92. He was born on November 21, 1930, the only child of Clara Kern Keeler and Herbert Keeler.  Jim graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1949 and received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Toledo in 1956.

A Korean War veteran, he had basic training at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, PA and served as a Corporal until 1953 as an office clerk in El Paso, TX.

His professional floral career began working for Fred Bartz and in 1959 he and his wife, Joan, opened Jim Keeler Florist, maintaining the business for 37 years.  He retired from Michael's 20 years later.  His artistic and creative talents led to his receiving the Grand Champion of the Michigan State Florist's Association "Arrangement of the Day" award in 1955. His personal attention to his customers led to his business success.

On April 19,1958 he married Joan Burgoon.  Together they enjoyed many community activities including the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Museum of Art, The Toledo Zoo and the Metroparks. Jim also enjoyed classical music, especially pipe organs. He was a long-time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, downtown Toledo.

Surviving are his wife, Joan; daughters Julie (Gary) Paulsen and Jill (Rob) Kohntopp; grandchildren, Sara Paulsen (James Tomlinson), Andrew Paulsen, Elizabeth "Betsy" Paulsen, Emily Paulsen, Amanda Kohntopp and Joshua Kohntopp and great granddaughter, Emma Tomlinson.

Visitation will be held at the Foth-Dorfmeyer Mortuary, 3815 Sylvania Ave. (at Woodley Rd.) Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. where funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m.  Interment Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to thank the Elizabeth Scott Community and Hospice of NW Ohio for the care and compassion shown to them.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fothdorfmeyer.com