Peter A. Keffer

Peter “Pete” A. Keffer, 82, of Rockford, died on Sunday, July 20, 2025. He was born on January 27, 1943, the son of Richard W. and Lenore (Nash) Keffer. He married the love of his life, Mary Jo (Allen) Keffer, in Detroit, Michigan on June 25, 1966.

He grew up in York, Pennsylvania, the youngest of six children. He spent his time playing golf, basketball, and summering at the Jersey shore. He attended Scranton University for Pre-Engineering and continued his studies at the University of Detroit where he graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree. After graduation he worked for Cadillac Motor in Detroit for two years before being offered a job at Ingersoll Milling Machine Company in Rockford, Illinois. He worked with the company until they closed. He ended his career at Eclipse, Inc.

Pete and Mary Jo had three children. Pete could always be found supporting his children’s hobbies and activities. His love of golf extended into his later years, where he remained active and enjoyed sports like tennis and volleyball. In addition to playing sports, he was an avid supporter of Boylan Catholic High School athletics. He was a long-time parishioner and volunteer at Holy Family Catholic Church and School. He enjoyed traveling with his family and playing bridge.

Pete was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Jo; his daughter, Kathy (Chris) Walls; his son, Peter Keffer, Jr.; his daughter, Kristi (Mike) Smith; his grandchildren, Dan (Kate) Walls, Kim (fiancé Neil Pohl) Walls, Caleb (Adrianna) Keffer, Marianne Smith, Katie Smith, Margaret Smith, and Cooper Keffer; and his great grandson, Noah. He is survived by his brother, John Keffer; and his sister, Lenore Arcuri; he is predeceased by his parents, Richard and Lenore; his brothers, Rich, Walt and Joe Keffer; and his brother-in-law, Tom Allen.

A visitation will take place on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford. A second visitation will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford. Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or to Boylan Catholic High School. To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.