For most students, class field trips are a favorite part of education. Outside the four walls of the classroom and rows of desks, students explore the world through museums, zoos, parks, historical sites and places of business.

One of St. John’s Lutheran Preschool teachers discovered hidden treasure right in the church’s back yard — Marvin Keller’s farm, adjacent to the property of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

For two years now, young minds have been cultivated at the four-acre plot right next door as students make periodic visits to this treasure.

Marvin and Esther Keller have been married for 61 years. Growing up on a farm in St. Louis County, Marvin Keller has spent the last 53 years on the property next to St. John’s plowing, disking, planting, nurturing, harvesting and selling home grown produce from his farm.

Before marrying Marvin, Esther Keller worked in Barnhart at Pigeon Pottery — no longer in business — lining lamps with gold. The relationship began with a Valentine’s Day card, according to Marvin Keller. Now they are both in their 80s.

In the early years of farming, Esther Keller worked hard on the farm and raised their children. She doesn’t drive the tractor anymore. She leaves that to Marvin.

None of this history means much to the preschoolers. What they love is to visit Marvin Keller’s Farm and glean the “nuggets of gold” from each visit. So many lessons from life can and are learned each field trip.

“That red barn used to have hundreds of chickens in it,” instructs Mr. Keller, as he shares some of his fresh “veggies” with the kids. “We sold lots of eggs when we had chickens.”

Preferring to repair rather than buy new, Marvin Keller’s Jubilee Year model Ford tractor was brand new in 1953. He puts the key in the ignition and it starts right up. His newer John Deere doesn’t like cold weather.

“It’s fussy!” he says.

If you were to ask what the kids enjoy most about the farm you will get all kinds of answers.

“I like when we go over there Mr. Keller has a big smile.”

“I like his tractors.”

“When Jesus was teaching His disciples, sometimes they would go over to Mr. Keller’s!”

“I like when he shares how he grows his vegetables.”

The field trip to the Kellers’ farm continues to bring not only valuable instruction and life lessons to the preschoolers of St. John’s Lutheran, but joy in spending a few moments with Marvin and Esther Keller.