Eugene O'Keefe, 84

Eugene Gene O' Keefe, 84, of Prior Lake, died Saturday, March 6, 2010 at his home. Born June 9, 1925, he was a son of James and Katherine (Suel) O'Keefe. Gene married Mary Alice Von Bank on April 19, 1949, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jordan. He was the owner/operator of the O'Keefe Cleaners and Laundry in Shakopee for years. Gene also worked for almost 30 years at Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Administration. He enjoyed golfing and reading, with a special interest in presidential and political history. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota professional sports teams. Gene served in the United States Navy and was one of the original members of the Prior Lake V.F.W. He was also a member of the Shakopee Lions Club. His biggest passion in life was his family.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years; children Patrick (Cheryl) O'Keefe, Prior Lake, Mary Jeanne (Tim) Riffe, Shakopee and Colleen O'Keefe (Russ Schaffenberg), Bloomington; grandchildren Ryan O'Keefe, Adam Riffe, Ellie Riffe and Jen (Sean) Anderson; great-grandchildren Margo and Mia Anderson; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a son James Patrick O'Keefe; his parents; and siblings Margaret Schaefer, Francis Bud O'Keefe, Howard O'Keefe, Dick O'Keefe and Kathleen Stemmer.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, March 10, at 11 a.m., at the Church of St. Michael in Prior Lake.

Interment was at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were Greg O'Keefe, Jeff O'Keefe, Dan O'Keefe, Mike Stemmer, Rick Hennes, Jim O'Keefe and Kevin Von Bank.

Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home in Prior Lake, and also one hour prior to the Mass at church.