Dr. Chad J. Keller
of St. Louis, MO, passed away on September 4, 2025, after complications from cancer. He was born on March 4, 1979, in West Bend, WI. He devoted his life to learning, teaching, and caring for others. After earning his doctorate in Psychology from Kansas City, Chad established a private practice in St. Louis, where he was known for his compassion and dedication to his patients. He also shared his knowledge as a professor at Lewis & Clark Community College.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chad demonstrated resilience and will be remembered for his kindness, sharp wit, and the way he encouraged others to reach their fullest potential. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend whose presence touched many lives.
Chad was preceded in death by his father, Harlu Keller, and his grandparents Harvey and Luetta Keller, and Francis Schmidt. He is survived by his mother, Karen Keller; his sister, Michelle (Scott) Knaffla, and their children, Mikayla and Mason Knaffla; and his sister, Raquel (Jeremy) Frommelt, and their children, Isabell and Abigail Frommelt. Chad is also survived by many close friends.
A private family service will be held to celebrate his life.
Chad was such a light in my life and he will be so very missed. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Chad was one of the best students I ever had in 36 years of teaching psychology at various universities. He was also compassionate and witty. We kept in touch after his graduation from UWSP, until about five years ago. I know you will have wonderful memories of this bright and thoughtful man who left this earth too soon. My condolences to the family.
I called him Dr. K. I was one of his students. He was my professor, a dear friend. We celebrate our birthdays together. I was born February 22nd and he was the 4th of March. March 4 are my sisters birthday too, but I don’t get to celebrate their birthdays with them, they are twins, and they’re both in the Philippines. We exchange food we cook, I made him egg rolls and he baked cookies for me and my son. We always look forward for our birthdays, he always makes time even though he’s a very busy person. I will never forget you Dr. K.
Chad was a wonderful neighbor and friend to our family for 9 years. He was a kind and considerate soul and we’ve missed him since moving away and will continue to miss his presence on Earth. His beautiful native plant garden inspired me to create our own at our new home, which will now live on in his honor. Wishing lots of love and light to his family.
I was one of Chad’s clients and have been working with him since March 2018. He changed my life for the better, and he saved it more times than I can count. I’m heartbroken to learn that he passed so suddenly, and I hope his family and loved ones can find some comfort in the memories & joy you shared with him, as I know I will. He was an incredible person, and he will be sorely missed.
Although I never met Chad personally, I heard enough about him to know he was a kind, caring, resilient, and humorous soul through and through.
I can only express the deepest of sympathies to all of Chad’s family, friends, students, colleagues, clients, and anyone else who was lucky enough to have heard of him through others.
Best of luck on your next journey, wherever it may take you.
Chad and I were college friends at UWSP. We worked together at the campus counseling center. Chad was SO MUCH FUN! Countless giggles and jokes and serious time too. But mostly he was an example of how to use humor with heartache. Your light will not be forgotten.
Chad was my therapist for about 4 years. He changed my life, and helped me so much during our time together. I owe my success in managing my mental health to his guidance. He was more than a therapist, he was a friend, and a great one at that. May his memory be a blessing, and I send my deepest condolences to the family. Thank you for everything, Chad.
Chad was a kind and lovely man who touched so many hearts. He was an important part of trans and queer liberation in St. Louis he used his privilege and gifts as a therapist to educate , uplift and support. He was an early contributor to the trans lead org MTUG He knew that social and emotional support directed by the impacted community mattered. That trans people mattered. I will Remember him for his quiet activism ethical compass and sharp fashion sense. His shoe and sock game was spot on. He was a good kind and gentle man. He brought people in and changed hearts and minds. I know he will travel boldly on his path and it was a true honor to know and love him. His memory is a blessing.
With my deepest condolences, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead. I’m holding you in my heart and wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
I knew Chad from church, though only in passing. Even so, he was clearly one of the kindest people I have ever met. My condolences to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.
I went to grad school with Chad in KC, and he remained a dear friend for the last 20 years even though we didn’t get to see each other often. His wisdom about life was something I’ll never forget! He inspired me. Memories of cocktails, laughter, and intellectual exploration will never be forgotten. What a wonderful gift he was to anyone’s heart he touched! I’ll miss him dearly.
As a doctoral student and my advisee, I had the privilege of teaching and collaborating with Chad on research, where I witnessed firsthand the bright spark of potential and genuine warmth he brought into every moment. I am deeply grateful that we had the opportunity to meet for lunch in May—an afternoon filled with laughter and storytelling that I will always cherish. May Chad’s memory serve as a reminder of the fleeting beauty of life and the enduring power of dedication and kindness. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
What a loss. Chad was a fantastic person and brilliant communicator. One of a kind.
Oh gosh. I only saw Dr. Keller a few times but he was amazing and even in that short time helped make an impact on me that will last a lifetime. Thank you so much. ♥️
Chad was such a wonderful person. Such a gentle and loving soul. His Eliot Chapel family will miss him dearly.
When I first met Dr. Keller, I thought wow, he is such a hard teacher! Then, I realized that he was pushing me to succeed because he knew my full potential! I began to love his class and hope that he would be my professor for my many Psychology classes because he was the best at what he did! He was a mentor of mine and nominated me for a few awards that I didn’t know about until later! He strengthened me during COVID and I will always love him dearly… He will always have a place in my heart! ❤️🙏🏼 Praying for the family and all that his life touched! I have become a mental health counselor and just thank him for all he did!
I was one of Dr. Keller’s clients for a year. I felt lucky to be able to tell him the impact he had on my life during our last appointment. He truly brightened this world and always offered a kind anecdote or reassuring words. I am greatly saddened by his passing, and my deepest sympathies go to his family and friends.