Hafemeister Funeral Home
Helen O'Keefe, 80, of Watertown, WI, passed away unexpectedly on August 27, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones.
She was born on August 7, 1944, in Oconomowoc to Albert and Ida (Braun) Neff. Helen graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1962 and married her loving husband, Richard O'Keefe, on April 28, 1973, at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Oconomowoc. She worked for many years at the Bank of Watertown and Ixonia State Bank. A devout Catholic, Helen was a dedicated member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Watertown and lived a life rooted in faith and service to others.
Helen's most cherished roles were as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and the profound impact she had on everyone she met. Helen found joy in all the simple pleasures life had to offer. She adored peaceful mornings spent fishing, cultivating and tending to her abundant garden, and cherishing friendships, holidays, and, most importantly, her family. Watching her grandchildren grow over the years brought her pure happiness. She generously gave her time to her community, church, and family, whom she loved unconditionally. Helen volunteered countless hours at St. Vincent de Paul and Mary's Room. In a good life, filled with faith, love, and family, it seems that her eternal home called her too soon.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Richard O'Keefe; her children, Jill (Shane) Bowdish and Michael (Melissa) O'Keefe; and her grandchildren, Brady, Adilee, and Wesley Bowdish, and Aeyla and Bryson O'Keefe. She also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Ruth Neff and Betty Neff, along with a host of extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Ida (Bob) Miller, Mary Gahlman, Elizabeth (Virgil) Ivie, Josephine (Dean) Thiele; and brothers Alois (Diane) Neff, Albert (Julie) Neff Jr., Joseph Neff, and Bernard Neff.
Helen was known for her unwavering devotion to God and her love for family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Watertown, Wisconsin. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM, officiated by Father David Drefcinski. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.HafemeisterFH.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Bernard's Catholic Church or Mary's Room in honor of Helen's lifelong commitment to her faith and generosity. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
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