BSNC mourns the passing of shareholder Louise L. Avessuk (Keller) Bauman of Nome, Alaska. Louise was proud to have served on BSNC’s Board of Directors for 15 years, actively involved from 1994 to 2009. She also served several years on the Board of Directors for Sitnasuak Native Corporation. She loved our land and enjoyed spending time at her camp in Nuuk.
Louise was born on Oct. 4, 1956 to Martha and Lester Keller, Sr., the fourth of six children. Louise was a lifelong learner and always paid attention to socio-economic matters. As a single mother to Eda in the 1980s, Louise proved her strong will, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). She worked very hard to earn her education and she was amazingly capable with her intelligent and strong-willed spirit.
Louise was truly a go-getter, an improviser, and had an entrepreneurial spirit. Later in life, she made the Honor Roll and earned more degrees through UAF, including an Associate Degree in Applied Business Finance as well as taking CNA classes. At the graduation ceremony in 2017, Louise gave encouraging advice to her children: “If you are capable, then that is what I expect from you.” She stayed active in civic engagement and was never afraid to speak her mind.
In addition to spending time at camp, Louise loved to keep herself busy with sewing, baking, and crafting. She was a choir member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. She was a wonderful Ahkie to her grandsons. Most of all, Louise loved and was very proud of her four children, always speaking highly of their abilities and accomplishments.
Louise is preceded in death by her parents Martha and Lester Keller, her sister Mary Miller, and her brother Larry Keller. She is survived by her children Eda (Frank), Seraphin, Lucas, Rachael (Perry), and grandsons Michael, Daniel, and Remington. She is also survived by her siblings Lester “Bossick” Keller, Jr., William “Boyboy” Keller, and Wanda “Asta” (Tom) Keller, and Grace Minix.
The BSNC Board of Directors, management and family of companies express sincere condolences to Louise’s loved ones.