John Robert O'Keefe

Age 84 Of Minneapolis Passed away surrounded by family on December 27, 2009. Born January 9, 1925 in Montevideo, Minnesota to James O'Keefe and Mae Agnes Murphy O'Keefe, the youngest of six children. Graduated Valedictorian of his high school class at age 16 and was an Honors Graduate of University of Minnesota, School of Business, receiving a B.S. Accounting 1945. He held a CPA and worked for the accounting firm of Peat Marwick Mitchell. After graduating from William Mitchell College of Law, LLB 1949, he practiced law in Minneapolis for four decades, in general civil practice and business law. He tried numerous cases and argued a number of significant appellate cases. He was a rock-ribbed Republican and maintained his interest in politics his entire life. In 1950 at the age of 24 he was elected Alderman in what was then the Minneapolis 8th Ward - becoming the youngest alderman elected in a major U.S. city. As the President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, he entertained Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy at his home. Preceded in death by his brothers Gordon, J. Donald, George, and James; sister, Elizabeth (Betty); wife, Nancy O'Keefe; daughter, Megan O'Keefe; and his long-time friend JoAnne Olson. He is survived by his children, Terry (Bill) Ankeny, John Patrick O'Keefe, Leslie (Bruce) Stunkard, Bridget (Mark) Gidley, Elizabeth (Peter) Thayer, and Peter O'Keefe; and eight grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency, 3433 Broadway St. NE, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55413, or to the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, C-M 9407, P.O. Box 70870, Saint Paul, MN 55170-9407. He will be interred in the Spring in Brainerd, MN, where he spent many happy summers at the lake. Memorial service 2pm, Wednesday Dec. 30 with a Visitation and Reception immediately following the service at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 W. 50th Street and Hwy 100, Edina