Mr. Philip Michael Keller, age 74 of Portland, MI, formerly of Sparta, MI, passed away Monday, February 28, 2022. He was born June 1, 1947 in Grand Rapids, MI to George and Crystal (Race) Keller. After graduating from Sparta High School in 1965, Phil served his country in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He married love of his life, Nancy L. Traxler in Sparta, MI on June 27, 1970. Phil was employed for many years as a dispatcher with the Grand Rapids Police Department. Later in life, he obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Baker College in Muskegon, MI and he taught Early Childhood Development courses at Muskegon Community College all while working on his Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. During his time in Sparta, Phil and Nancy were active members of Holy Family Catholic Church. Phil also obtained his pilot's license and was involved with Sparta Aviation for many years. He enjoyed teaching gun safety and was a concealed weapons license instructor. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time at the gun range. Phil will be most remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, and friend. Phil's family would like to express their heart felt gratitude for the exceptional care he received from Dr. Yuanbin Chen, MD and the nursing staff at Spectrum Health Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion. Phil is survived by his wife Nancy Keller; two daughters, LeAnn (Matthew) Meyers and Lindsay (Mika) Hulliberger; four grandchildren, Kurtis Meyers and his girlfriend Megan Heimbaugh, Raelyn Meyers, Mikaela and Lydia Hulliberger; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws; several nieces and nephews and bonus grandchildren Chase and Jordyn Purins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Darryl Keller. The Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Sparta, MI on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 11:00AM with family visitation beginning at 10:00AM. Burial service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Sparta, MI at 2:00PM. Memorial contributions may be given to Holy Family Catholic Church, 425 S. State St., Sparta, MI 49345 or the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion, 145 Michigan St., SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Service Details. Visitation When July 23, 2022 10:00am - 11:00am Location Holy Family Catholic Church Address 425 South State Street SPARTA, MI 49345 Mass of the Christian Burial When July 23, 2022 11:00am Location Holy Family Catholic Church Address 425 South State Street SPARTA, MI 49345 Interment When July 23, 2022 Location Greenwood Cemetery Address 160 East Division SPARTA, MI 49345 Reception When July 23, 2022 12:00pm - 2:00pm Location Holy Family Catholic Church Address 425 South State Street SPARTA, MI 49345