Michael J. O'Keefe

Michael James O'Keefe, age 66, of Barnes, WI, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN. He was born November 5th, 1953 in Chicago, IL, the son of James and Eleanor (Smith) O'Keefe. He was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Paula (Johnson) O'Keefe.

Mike had a life-long career serving as a firefighter/paramedic in the Chicagoland area. Upon searching for the perfect place in the north-land to retire, he came upon the small town of Barnes, WI, where he enjoyed a slower-pace-of-life on Middle Eau Claire Lake. At heart, he was an outdoor enthusiast and spent his days fishing, four-wheeling, boating, and spending time with his family and many local friends in the Barnes community. Mike had a larger-than-life personality. He was world-renowned for his sarcastic humor and his knack for telling it how it was. He was generous to a fault, soft at heart, and yet sugar-coated absolutely nothing. His devout feistiness and stubbornness had served him well throughout his life. Even in his waning months, he was a model of sheer determination right up until the very end of his journey here on earth. 

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by family and dear friends within the Barnes community.  

He is survived by his wife, Paula O'Keefe of Barnes; his daughter, Katherine O'Keefe of Duluth, MN; his two sons, Jimmy (Jill) O'Keefe of Palos Park, IL and Danny Merkel of Chicago, IL; his grandson, Zach;  his granddaughters, Emma and Maggie; his sister, Patti (Jim) McNally of Orland Park, IL; and his niece and nephew, Kara Jordan and Michael McNally.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Barnes.

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