Steve J. O'Keefe

STEVE J. O"KEEFE Steve O"Keefe, 67 passed away January 12, 2011 with his family by his side. Steve was born September 28, 1943. He was the fourth of eleven children born to Vincent and Louise Vaughn O"Keefe and the fourth generation to be raised on the family farm in Bucyrus, Kansas. After high school, Steve attended Rockhurst University before beginning a 43 year career at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City. Steve will be remembered as a quiet, easy going man who worked hard and never wasted a minute. Steve met Carol, his wife of 45 years, at a high school basketball game in 1961. They married in 1965 and had two daughters, Sidney and Valorie. The family lived in the Stanley area for 13 years before moving to Bucyrus. Steve was very loyal and dedicated to family and friends. He volunteered in community and church activities his entire adult life. Steve was highly respected as a girl"s basketball and softball coach for over twenty years. He served as the first Supervisor of Girls Sports for the Blue Valley Junior Athletic Association in the late1970"s and 80"s. After that he continued coaching for the Bucyrus Recreation Commission. Steve loved everything about nature and had quite a reputation for his picturesque garden. He did all his own canning and especially enjoyed making jams, salsa and pickles to share with special friends and family. Steve was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of Queen of The Holy Rosary " Wea in Bucyrus, Kansas, He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also served many years as an officer of the Parish Men"s Club. He served as a board member and Sexton of the Holy Rosary Cemetery. Steve was also an usher and kept a weekly 4:00 AM prayer hour at the Perpetual Adoration chapel until his health no longer permitted. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Louise O"Keefe. Survivors include his wife Carol of the home, two daughters, Sidney Fish and husband Ron, Bucyrus, Ks, Valorie O"Keefe-Horsley and husband Steve, Sydney, Australia, three grandsons, Shawn Fish, Alex Fish and Hunter Horsley. He also leaves five brothers, five sisters and many dearly loved nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 17, 2011 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Wea, Bucyrus, KS. Burial to follow in the Holy Rosary Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 16, 2011 with the Rosary being prayed at 1:00 p.m. The family suggests memorials be given to the Holy Rosary Cemetery Fund, Catholic Community Hospice, 9740 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212 or The ALS Association, Keith Worthington Chapter, 6950 Squibb Rd, Suite 210, Mission, KS 66202 Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church 22779 Metcalf Bucyrus, KS 66013 Service: Monday, January 17, 2011 10:00 AM Visitation: Sunday, January 16, 2011 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Rosary @ 1:00 pm