Paul Berwald Keller
Published April 16, 2012
Paul Berwald Keller, died April 13, 2012 at the age of 57 at home after a long and courageous fight with cancer. He was an engineer with a distinguished career as an executive in the resort and entertainment. Paul graduated from John Burroughs School in St. Louis. He received a degree in civil engineering from Duke University and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. He joined Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. as chief development officer in 2008. Previously, he directed teams of designers on major projects for a quarter of a century. Before joining Isle of Capri, he was executive vice president of design and construction for Trump Entertainment Resorts and served as vice president of design and construction for Argosy Gaming Company. He was credited with transforming the Argosy Casino in Kansas City from a first-generation riverboat to one of the major destinations in the market. His work was recognized by the American Gaming Association as the Best Architectural Re-Design for a Casino Resort. Paul also had a leadership role at Walt Disney Imagineering and was active in the development of EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland. Paul became celebrated for the elaborate floats he designed for Clayton High School’s homecoming parades, moving spectaculars described by friends as engineering marvels. He transformed his home into a lively workshop where Zoe and her friends could create structures larger than life. He was adored for his dry humor, creativity and wit and the kids simply loved working with him. Paul is survived by his wife, Mary Gaertner; his daughter Zoe; his mother Helene B. Keller, all of St. Louis; two sisters, Cynthia Maasen of Foristell, MO, and Amy Keller of Wilmette, IL; a brother-in-law, Tony Dillon, Wilmette; a niece, Kiri Maasen, Foristell; and a nephew, Spencer Dillon, Wilmette. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pedal the Cause in honor of Paul Keller at www.pedalthecause.org/. Rindskopf-Roth