Sue Holland Keller was born in Lincoln, NE to Lyle Clifton and Dorothy Brown Holland. She attended public schools at Sheridan, Irving and Lincoln High before entering her first year of college at Scripps in Claremont, CA. (She recently confessed that she flunked Physics while at Scripts!) As a sophomore, Sue transferred to the University of NE and pledged to the Delta Gamma sorority and served as Rush Chairman and House President during her college experience. Sue made many life-long friends as a DG and had so many wonderful memories of that time in her life.
Sue was well known for her artistic talents, such as, singing with bands at the “Turnpike” and using money earned there to “buy cashmere sweaters”. The girl could sing a tune and loved to dance up a storm. Sue received her BS degree in Elementary Education at UNL before marrying Don (Boom-Boom #40) Bloom in 1951. Don served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict and the couple was stationed in Virginia for a time before returning to Lincoln and eventually separating. Two sons were born to this union, Scott and Todd.
In 1960, Sue adored and married Tom Ludwick. During their time in Lincoln, Sue was involved in various philanthropic organizations such as the Junior League and Children’s Theatre. The couple enjoyed travel, friends and a blended family until their separation in 1980. A daughter, Shane was born to this union.
In 1980, Sue entered treatment for alcoholism at Valley Hope and maintained her sobriety until her death. She would celebrate 36 years sober on October 26. Prior to fulfilling her calling as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Sue worked for the American Cancer Society for a short time. In her early days of sobriety, Sue established and maintained a plethora of deep and devoted relationships with others in recovery. She sponsored many and loved all who entered the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. AA was definitely her extended family and a place of fellowship and grace.
In 1985, Sue married Big Bob Keller and they had several wonderful years celebrating recovery and family. Bob brought so much joy to Sue and visa-versa. They put together a beautiful home at Wellington Greens where Sue spent the remainder of her days. This home was her pride and joy.
In 2008, Sue lost her oldest grandson to a drug overdose. While heartbreaking, his death served to reinforce her commitment to recovery and service to those in the grips of alcoholism and addiction. One of her favorite mantras: “If you should die tomorrow you would never know the person you could become in sobriety. It’s magical.” This was never truer than with the passing of her grandson. She also liked to say, “The people of AA loved me when I could not love myself.”
The start of Sue’s career included volunteering at St. Monica’s in Lincoln and later serving on the Board of Directors. She was also the President of the Board for the Lincoln Council on Alcohol & Drugs and on the Board for Cornhusker Detox. Sue retired from her counseling career at the Independence Center in 1994.
Sue Keller was an extraordinary woman; a woman of many talents and personas. Ask one of her grandchildren to tell you about, “Witchy-Poo and Monster Man” stories or songs she shared with them before bedtime. As her dear friend Sally would say, “Sue was a fun grandma”, (just don’t call her “grandma”!). To her precious grandchildren she will forever be known as “MomSue” or “Darling”.
Both titles made her beam.
The second most important thing behind her grandchildren was playing competitive bridge where Sue earned the title of “Killer Keller” and became a (Gold) Life Master.
Sue was gifted with an appreciation for all art forms; sculpture, painting, theatre and music and in her golden years, spent significant energy toward her needle point creations as gifts for family and friends.
Over the few weeks before she left this earth, Sue would marvel at the outpouring of love and affection she received, frequently commenting, “I never knew there was so much love.”
Sue asked that any memorials go to the Lincoln Central Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous, 2748 “S” St., Suite AA, Lincoln, NE 68503 or the entity of your choice.
Sue is survived by her children:
Scott and Marcia Bloom of Stevensville, MT
Todd and Suki Bloom of Pearland, TX
Dave and Shane Stutzman of Friend, NE
Step daughters, Shannon Keller and Karen Schwartzkoff
Ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; multiple nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Keller; parents; sister, Lynn Holland (Scottsdale, AZ); grandson, Matthew Bloom; step son, Robert (Tiger) Keller