John J. Keefe 1867-1916

KEEFE, GRACE, CROTTY

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 2/21/2023 at 07:28:06

10 February 1916 - Cascade Pioneer

It was with much regret and sorrow that old friends in this section heard of the death of John J. Keefe, of St. Paul, brother of Mayor F. J. Keefe, who died at 1:30 a.m. Friday, February 4th. The immediate cause of death was due to heart failure and he had been seriously ill for sixteen days.

Mr. Keefe was a son of Mrs. John Keefe of this city, and was born in Butler township, Jackson county, March 17, 1867, and was therefore within a few weeks of his 49th birthday.

Mr. Keefe's early years were spent upon the farm, but at the age of 20 years, he struck out for himself. For a number of years he was in the railroad service in this state. Later he removed to St. Paul and for the past thirteen years was in the government mail service at the union station in St. Paul, and was an efficient and faithful employe.

Old friends and neighbors in Garryowen speak highly of "Jack" Keefe as they knew him in his boyhood and young manhood.

He was a man of unquestioned honor, a sincere friend, and while long absent from his old home, he always retained a warm feeling for the old home, where his mortal remains found a final resting place.

Mr. Keefe was a single man and is survived by his mother, Mrs. John Keefe, of Cascade, and the following brothers and sisters: D. H. Keefe, of St. Paul, Mayor F. J. Keefe of Cascade; and Mrs. Phillip Grace and Mrs. Michael Crotty, of Garryowen. His father, John Keefe, died in this city in September, 1913.

The remains were brought to Cascade from St. Paul, arriving here Sunday forenoon, and were taken to the home of Mayor Keefe. Funeral services were held at St. Martin's Monday morning, Rev. L. Roche officiating, after which the body was conveyed to St. Patrick's cemetery at Garryowen, where Rev. Coffey officiated at the graveside.

The following were the pallbearers: John Moore, Thomas Reddin, F. J. Boyle, Con Crotty, John Riordan, and Ben Fagan.