Mishawaka, Indiana – Jerome “Sailor Jerry” Roy Keller, 73, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.

Jerry was born on August 14, 1952, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Jerome and Jane (Sorensen) Keller. He graduated from Penn High School with the Class of 1971 and went on to live a life defined by adventure, ingenuity, and an unwavering love for family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Keller Smith; sons-in-law, Mike Smith and Shane Cabanaw; his sister, Barbara Janet Fulmer; and his niece, Janelle Fulmer.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Jessica (Brandon) Monnier and Jacqueline Cabanaw. He was a proud grandfather to Anthony (Amanda) Muniz, Tommy Desmarais, Lucas (Arianna) Desmarais, Finn, Jack, Kiley, Aislynn, Venice, and Easton. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Aidan, Kairi, Ariel, and Colt, Carson. He is further survived by his brother James (Renee) Keller, nephew, John (Miranda) Fulmer; great-nieces and great-nephews Gracie, Jake, and Delaney; and many other extended family members, friends, and lifelong associates.

Motorcycles were Jerry’s first love and lifelong passion. Known to many as “Sailor Jerry,” he was a champion motorcycle rodeo rider and excelled in slow-ride competitions, demonstrating remarkable skill and balance. A true adventurer and self-made problem solver, Jerry was a self-taught pilot, property owner, and what many affectionately called a “backyard genius.” Long before treasure-hunting television shows became popular, Jerry embodied the spirit of the original American picker, always finding value, potential, and stories in the things others overlooked. He had an enduring fascination with anything that moved—boats, planes, automobiles, and especially motorcycles.

Above all, Jerry will be remembered for his independent spirit, his mechanical brilliance, his generosity, and the love he shared with those around him. Even in his passing, he continued to help others through one final act of extraordinary kindness.

Jerry’s last and most heroic gift was as an organ donor through the Indiana Donor Network. Through his selfless decision, others have been given the opportunity to live fuller lives. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues in the lives he touched, both known and unknown.

Jerry will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.

The family will gather and have a funeral service on Saturday, June 27th, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN.

The Funeral procession will then follow going past Penn High School and his home before he arrives at his final resting place, Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN in the Garden of The Apostles.

Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, IN has been entrusted with arrangements.