Robert J. Kellner

Robert “Bullet” Kellner, 89, of Stewartville, MN  died on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 unexpectedly of natural causes at his home.

Robert John Kellner was born on February 16, 1936, in Algona, IA to Vincent and Geneva (Bowman) Kellner. Following his mother’s death when he was 7, he moved to different farms with relatives in Minnesota and Iowa and attended Johnsburg Catholic School and Adams HS. He entered the US Navy and was trained as a pipefitter and served in the Military Police and Fire Department.  Following his discharge in 1958 he returned to SE MN and one night drove a group of friends to the Pla-Mor Ballroom in Rochester. After an evening of dancing, he walked Lorraine Wilson to her door and asked her out.  They were engaged two weeks later and recently celebrated their 65th anniversary. Following their marriage the couple lived in Rochester for many years where they raised their family before moving to Stewartville. Robert was a longtime member of the International Operating Engineers Union - Local Chapter 49 in Rochester and was employed for 38 years with Rochester Sand and Gravel. He earned the nickname “Bullet” by his coworkers and fellow 49ers for being fast and efficient. Lorraine was a homemaker and was employed at St. Marys Hospital and the Donut Hut both in Rochester. They were longtime members of St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester. Robert was a gruff-looking teddy bear and quiet hero who was credited for saving the lives of 5 people both during his military service and employment. He enjoyed time spent with family especially his great-grandchildren and traveling with Lorraine extensively in their 5th wheel. He once danced with hula girls in Hawaii! He proudly enjoyed watching his sons and grandson in demolition derbies, riding his bicycle, and going to tractor pulls.

Robert is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his children, Mike (Darla) Kellner, Gary (Barb) Kellner, Rita Collyard (Dave Burri), Geneva Day, and Terri (Brenda) Kellner; six grandchildren, Geneva (Cory) Scrabeck, Crystal (Matthew) Schuweiler, Nichole (Justin) Jenkins, Kayla (Sam) Puent, Garret Kramer, and Jerome Kellner; six great-grandchildren, Luke, Levi, Ray, Valerie, Piper and Ensley; sisters, Janice (Bill) Neilser, Chris (Gary) Barth and Emma Jean (Gary) Lint; brother, Paul Kellner; sister-in-law Betty Kellner and Rose Shaefer. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Christine (Puffer) Kellner; sisters, Barb (Mark) Bernhard, Lorraine Frasher; brothers, Bill Kellner, Dean Kellner, Larry Kellner, Vincent “Butch” Kellner and Francis Kellner.           

A funeral service will take place at 10:00 AM on Friday (March 7, 2025) at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Stewartville with Rev. Kevin Connolly officiating. Burial with military graveside honors will follow at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN at 2:00 PM. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 7:00 PM on Thursday (March 6, 2025) at Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville and 1 hr. prior to the service at the church on Friday morning. Robert wasn’t a formal guy so come dressed as you are.  He’ll be wearing a plaid shirt. Memorials are suggested to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Robert are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert J. Kellner, please visit our floral store.