Magnus James Keller

Magnus James Keller, 19 of Center, ND, affectionately known as “Maggie” or “Mags,” passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. 

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, February 4, at the Center Community Civic Center, with Pastor Annie Carlson officiating. Burial will follow at 2:30 P.M. at Mandan Union Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.

Magnus was born on July 2, 2005, to Nickolette Orgaard and Mike Keller. He was raised in Center, ND, and graduated from Center High School with honors. After high school, Magnus attended Bismarck State College, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity. He worked at Menards while attending college full-time. He continued living at home to save money and most importantly, remain close to his brother.

Magnus had a passion for gaming, particularly enjoying Call of Duty and Minecraft with his brother and good friend Riley. He was fiercely competitive but yet very compassionate. He shared an unconditional love for animals, a trait he inherited from his parents. He always put others’ needs before his own. Magnus surprised his mom, Nickolette, with a kitten (Furiosa—a fury of fun and disaster!) after the family lost their beloved cat, Nala, so that Saska could have a partner in crime.

Magnus loved the water—just like his mom—and always enjoyed boating with the family at Nelson Lake. He was incredibly close with his brother Titan, and the two were inseparable when not working or in school. They would often have lunch or dinner with Auntie Christal and fill her in on the latest gossip. When Magnus faced tough days, he found comfort in spending time with his grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Orgaard. 

Magnus looked forward to the activities and mini adventures his father planned. Whether it was mini golf, a movie, or a weekend at home teaching Dad how to play Minecraft and COD. Magnus always tried to be the protector for his brother and it showed in his actions and character. Magnus and Titan really cherished the time spent with their grandfather and the Bible verses he read to them. Grandma Linda always entertained them with card games or board games.

Magnus will be deeply missed by his parents, Gene Weil and Nickolette Orgaard of Center, and Michael G. Keller of Mandan; his siblings: Ariane (Zak) Sarsten (and their children Lincoln and Parker) of Bismarck, Marah, and Titan of Center; his grandparents: Larry and Sharon Orgaard, Gene and Donna Weil, and Linda Keller; aunts and uncles: Kurt and Christal Lennick (and their son, Brady), Jason and Silvia Weil (and their children: Sofia, Jaxon, and Amelia), Cody and Lourdes Weil (and their child Christian), and Gene Jr. (Lindsey) Keller; as well as his special cousins: Jeremiah (Britt) Franklin (and their child Courtney).

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Eugene Keller Jr.; great-grandparents: Stanley and Agnes Orgaard, Tony and Rose Mosbrucker and Eugene Sr. and Helen Keller and his fur family: Zeus, Nala, Gizmo, Saska and Furiosa.