William J. O'Keefe

Sept. 16, 1950 - Oct. 8, 2025

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend William (Bill) James O'Keefe died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his four loving children, a testament to the life and legacy he built with unwavering devotion. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that Bill is now reunited with his beloved wife Leah – his partner, his greatest love, and his home.

Born in LaSalle, Illinois, and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Bill learned the value of hard work early in life. As an industrious young boy, he took in neighbors' laundry and mowed lawns to earn money to support his love of baseball, the game that would shape much of his youth and young adulthood. A standout athlete, Bill graduated from Las Vegas High School. He went on to play baseball for UNLV before transferring to Brigham Young University, where he continued his athletic career.

Soon after transferring to BYU, he met Leah Rowe, the love of his life. Bill and Leah were married in Provo, Utah, on May 29, 1972. Together, they built a beautiful and full life, eventually settling in the Chicago area to raise their four children. After retirement, they found joy in a new chapter in St. George, Utah, surrounded by sunshine and lifelong friends.

Bill built an impressive career, beginning at Procter & Gamble, where he gained the foundation that would shape his leadership style rooted in integrity, hard work, and vision. He later joined Valassis, where he was a valued leader on the executive team, broke sales records and became known not only for his accomplishments but for the way he mentored and inspired others. Bill had a remarkable gift for recognizing potential in people and helping them see it in themselves. This quality earned him deep respect and lifelong friendships.

Bill also found an enthusiastic love for the game of golf – a passion that brought him joy, challenge and reflection. The game of golf was more than a pastime; the golf course was a place of calm and connection that stayed with him until the end.

While his professional achievements were many, Bill's greatest pride and joy was always his family. He worked tirelessly to provide his children with the opportunities he never had, instilling in them the same values that defined his life: integrity, effort, and compassion. His 12 grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Bill had the privilege of meeting his 6-week-old great-granddaughter days before he died.

William O'Keefe will be remembered for his strength, his dignity, his sharp wit and the profound love he gave so freely to those around him. He led with his heart, lived with purpose, and leaves behind a legacy that will live on for generations.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother Mary (Peggy) Margret McGonigle, his father Frank Cresto and his beloved wife, Leah Rowe O'keefe. He is survived by his four children: Kevin (Holly), Jennifer (Jesse), Kyle (Angela), and Courtney (Filippe); his twelve beloved grandchildren: Madalyn, Kaden, Ethan, Connor, Ella, Greyson, Will, Anna, Jocelyn, Isabelle, Bennett and Jackson; and his great-granddaughter, Kendal Leah.

Bill's life was a gift to all who knew him and his memory will forever be a blessing

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff St., St. George, UT 84770. A viewing will be held Monday, Oct. 20, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary. Funeral Services will follow the viewing at 11 a.m.in the Spilsbury Mortuary Chapel. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery.

Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service live through the Livestream Link.

Friends and Family can share memories and condolences online at Spilsbury Mortuary website on William's obituary page.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/william-o-keefe-obituary?id=59778814