William O'Keefe

William O’Keefe, 86, peacefully passed away Friday, February 17, 2012, in Mesa, Arizona. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, February 25, 2012, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 SW 9th Street, with burial following at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, February 24, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.

Bill was born in Des Moines on August 2, 1925, to Clyde and Caroline O’Keefe. He graduated from Lincoln High School and attended both AIB and Drake University. Bill was a proud vet of the US Marine Corps serving in the Asiatic-Pacific area from Jan 23, 1944 to August 9, 1945. He fought in the battles of Emirau Island, Guam, Marianas Islands, Okinawa, and the Ryukyu Islands. Bill received the Good Conduct Medal, Honorable Service Button and two Purple Hearts. He worked for 40 years in the insurance industry and later owned a local insurance agency. He was a past president of the IIAI, a proud friend of Bill W. and Dr. Bob for 43 years, and a member of the VFW, DAV and the Purple Heart.

Bill was an avid golfer and worked at Willow Creek for 20 years. He loved wintering in Arizona. His humor, wisdom, guidance and unconditional love will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Joanne; daughter, Renee (Patrick) O’Connell; step-sons, Mark (Dawn) Stout, David (Janet) Stout; grandchildren, Danielle Stout, Heather Stout, Thomas Stout, Arthur J. Lakes, Heather Leigh Pastore and great-grandchildren, Tanner Pastore, Lucio Perdomo, and Drew Lakes. He was preceded in death by his parents; and seven siblings.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Online condolences may be sent to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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