Craig O’Keefe

On March 10, 2024, Craig O’Keefe, at the age of 73, prayerfully bid farewell and gently let go, arriving in the loving arms of Jesus, and to witness the calm and still waters of heaven.

Craig was the fourth son born to the late William and Laurine (Kettenhoven) O’Keefe; husband to Pauline; father to Amanda (Greg) Schaefer; grandfather (G-PA) to Reed and Olivia Schaefer; brother to Dennis, the late William (Michelle/Jack) and Eugene (Julie); sister-in-law Betty O’Keefe; uncle to Kim, Pam, Amy, Laura, Kathleen, Heather,  Ryan and Sarah; and great-uncle to Lorenna, Calin, Morra, Courtney, Clay, Hailey and Ella.

Craig was a true and loyal friend to many, especially his BobFest friends. To Craig, the “Bobbers” were his family, too.

Craig graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, majoring in finance and business administration.

After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Colorado Springs, Colo., for three years.

He later pursued a career in the paper industry for more than 40 years, which he loved. He began his career at Fort Howard Paper in Green Bay, Wis., and later moved to the Appleton area, where he was employed by Kimberly Clark. He achieved his certified purchasing manager (CPM) certification early on in his career while working for Kimberly Clark and retired in 2013 from Neenah Paper (a spinoff from Kimberly Clark) after 34 years as their corporate manager of raw materials.

Early in their marriage, while serving in the U.S. Army, Craig and Pauline loved living, golfing, hiking and skiing in Colorado.

After moving back to Wisconsin, their lives were blessed when Amanda was born.  Family was a priority and to always do things together; his love of boating, golfing, family parties, annual vacations in Door County, numerous trips to Punta Cana and touring England, Scotland and Wales and his long-time passion of Ireland, especially Northern Ireland.

Craig loved to fish anywhere he could, from local lakes to his annual trips to remote areas of Canada, many times catching that large trout, walleye or his trophy northern pike.

He also took great pride in the beauty of his landscaping and perfectly groomed lawn and loved Trek biking the Interurban Trail with Pauline.

Every Christmas, he loved to assemble the Christmas train at the base of the tree just for Reed and Olivia.

Above all, his greatest love was his immediate family, Pauline, Amanda, Greg, Reed and Olivia.

There will be a private memorial service for the immediate family and a celebration of life gathering this summer for friends and family at Craig and Pauline’s favorite spot, the beautiful Port Washington lakefront and marina.

Our hearts are forever grateful for the amazing care and guidance provided by the Aurora-Port Washington doctors and nurses, and Dr. Stein and the dedicated nursing staff at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Mequon.

Our heartfelt gratitude to the loving and compassionate staff at Horizon Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon who tenderly ensured Craig’s comfort: NP Chai, NP Gina, Hospice Liaison Paul (our guardian angel), and Craig’s devoted care team of nurses: Becky, Kat, Danielle, Cory and Colleen. We love you all and we thank you.

And to our treasured friends and neighbors who offered daily encouragement, prayers, support and an abundance of love during his hospice journey: Tim and Barb, Dave and Debbie, Lee and Jill, Marlin and Joy, Barb, Susan and Eric, Katie and Patrick and Sandy and Joe ­— Craig loved you, too.  And our heartfelt thanks to the many friends of Amanda, Greg, Reed and Olivia for your kindness and support and knowing when to offer them a hug when they needed it the most.    

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Horizon Lawlis Family Hospice, Mequon, in Craig’s memory.

Craig, the storm has passed, the waters now are calm and still, with the moon rising above in the heavens. Godspeed my love, until we meet again. Pauline

An Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

and the rains fall soft upon your fields

and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

It is impossible to be unhappy if you have a grateful heart (an old Gaelic proverb).

Eernisse Funeral Home in Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.