Joe O'Keefe

Joseph A. O’Keefe, 72, of West Salem, died on Saturday, November 28, 2015 in his home. He was born on July 17, 1943 in Bronx, NY to Joseph E. and Ellen (Leonard) O’Keefe. Joe married Claudia Moberg on April 28, 1979. He retired after 25 years as a 911 Communications Supervisor for La Crosse County. After retirement Joe was a volunteer and employee at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Joe’s work at the Shrine was his passion, sharing his faith with those who came in, communicating with people from the Spanish community, having a special place for anyone who came in suffering with cancer, and especially his time spent as St. Nicholas. Joe was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was also an avid reader.
He is survived by his wife Claudia, four children, Sean (Pam) O’Keefe of Allen, NE, Colleen (Greg) Stockert of Bismarck, ND, Jennifer (Paul) Fisk of Onalaska, and Tim (Dena) O’Keefe of La Crosse, fifteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman. Msgr. Charles Stoetzel will officiate. Burial will be in the Hamilton Cemetery, West Salem. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse on Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 PM and at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of services.