Brighten Your Day

After Losing His Wife Of 72 Years, He Turned To Baking To Help Those In Need

April 12, 2017

Leo lost his beloved wife in 1993 due to dementia complications. After her death, the 98-year-old from Hastings, Nebraska, started baking.

"I didn't know what to do with myself. I was moaning and moping, and I said, 'I've got to have something to do,' and that's how it started. Everything I do, I do it with love. That's my secret ingredient is love."

Now Leo bakes pies, cakes and more every day and gives away everything for free. Moreover, he approached local community organizations and funeral homes to connect with families having a hard time.

"They're pretty darn good, they really are," Kellner's pastor, Rev. Michael Houlihan told the Tribune. "Every time we have a funeral here, he has one brought over. And every time one of us goes over there he gives us one. He's always been that way."

Keller even customizes his pies and cakes to make sure their recipient can enjoy every bite. He works to change up his recipe when he bakes pies for diabetics, filling them with fruit and removing the sugar.

"To see the smile on their face. That's worth all the money in the world. Nobody can buy that," Keller said. "That smile means so much to me."

Kellner believes that this inclination to give to everyone just might be the secret to a long, happy life.

"I try to be happy," said Kellner. "I place nobody above me, I place nobody below me. I like everybody and I've never held a grudge."