Wallace Gene Keltner was born to Mary (Cochran) and Eris (Skip) Keltner of Louisville, Kentucky, February 8, 1940. He died at his home in Star, Idaho, April 10, 2025, due to heart failure at 85 years of age. Wally graduated with Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University. He worked in the nuclear industry most of his career.
He was a natural born teacher, an avid reader and a fan of jazz music. He was curious, fair-minded and inclusive by nature. He loved sailing, fishing, camping and rock hounding. Wally enjoyed growing cacti as well as gourds which he donated to the local gourd society. His passion was building and flying radio-controlled model airplanes. He was an extrovert, a great storyteller and possessed an incredible sense of humor and people loved being around him. Wally was an active member of a small investment group for many years. Wally was a friend of Bill W., and helped many folks in the alcohol recovery program and at the time of his death he was sober 53 years.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Mary B Lawrence and Eris (Skip) Keltner, and is survived by Susan, his wife of 52 years, sister Suzanne Robinson, Vine Grove, KY., children Geoffrey Keltner, Portland, OR., Kurt Keltner (Korawee), Caldwell, ID,, Jason Keltner (Terry) Los Angeles, CA., Lisa Sconce, Sedro-Woolley, WA, and Adrienne Brill (Marcus Chambers), Bowie, MD. He is also survived by his grandchildren Aleke Estep, Amber Bannon, Jasmine and Jackson Keltner, Benjamin Keltner, David Keltner, and Radar Sconce.
The family would like to thank the medical team at Saint Alphonsus Hospital, and Keystone Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they gave Wally and his family.
Wally’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.- noon, at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W Carlton Bay Dr.,Boise, ID 83714. To leave the family condolences please visit www.bowmanfuneral.com 208-853-3131