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John J. Keefe, 65, of Tiffin, died at 2:20 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at Mercy Tiffin Hospital.
He was born March 15, 1949 in Tiffin to Joseph J. and Marie C. (Elchert) Keefe. He married Carol R. Niese July 6, 1974, and she died December 30, 2012.
Survivors include a son, Matthew (Rae) Keefe of Tiffin; two daughters, Angela Fiore of Columbus, Michelle (Chad) Collins of Tiffin; three grandchildren, Emma, Luke, and Oliver; four brothers, Laverne (Janet) Keefe of Tiffin, David (Alice) Keefe of New Riegel, Marvin (Theresa) Keefe and Duane (Deborah) Keefe both of Tiffin; two sisters, Patricia (Hank) Elchert of New Riegel and Theresa (Richard) Best of Tiffin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and a brother, Francis Keefe.
He graduated from Calvert High School in 1967. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969 as a Spec. 5 Combat Medic. He worked at General Electric Co and Ex-Cell Wire, before retiring from Wal-Mart after more than 15 years. He was the recipient of the two Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the VFW Post #2858 of Tiffin. He loved the outdoors and being with his grandchildren. He was an avid card player and loved to make people smile by telling jokes. He loved his family and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2015, at the Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113. A wake service will be at 1:30 p.m. followed by the United Veteran's Council of Seneca County military service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
Prayers will be said at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at the funeral home followed by the Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, officiated by Rev. Gary Walters. The rosary will be recited 20 minutes prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contribution may be made to the Tiffin Right to Life or Calvert Catholic Schools in care of the funeral home.
To send condolences, directions to the funeral home, church or to view the Celebration of Life video, go to: www.traunerofuneralhome.com
Charitable donations may be made in John's memory to the following organizations:
Calvert Catholic Schools
http://www.calvert.tld.pvt.k12.oh.us/
152 Madison Street Tiffin, Ohio 44883
Tiffin Right to Life
75 S. Sandusky Street Tiffin, Ohio 44883
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Thomas Rex
Another Unsung Hero. Unaware that John had such a distinguished tour in the service. Once again, we find that the wars we fight are as all wars, Unjustified, Undignified, and Unrewarding. THANK YOU JOHN FOR YOUR PRESTINE SERVICE!!!!
James Reymann
We had such a great class and John is an example...so many have gone
Joseph Feasel
William Lawson
I was unaware of the number of classmates that served in Vietnam Republic Of. To hear of so many passing not only is sad but leaves an empty place in my heart for my brother veteran's. May we all meet some day in the great PX.Jane Hoover (Wilson)
So Sorry to hear of the loss of yet another Classmate, John you was a Hero, so proud and thankful to all of our classmates that spent time defending or Country, I didn't realize so many had spent time there, R.I.P John, you will be missed.
Brenda Main
I remember John Keefe from St. Mary's School. He was a very sweet and quiet guy, but what a hero he became with his service in Viet Nam! My sympathy to his family. Rest in Peace, John.
Richard Lowery
WOW....
to another VietNam Veteran.....Salute my friend....
you are a military hero, of our class 67.....
this man deserves full Military Honor!!!
i do remember John as we grew up together at St Mary,s
i think he was in front of me at 1st Communion...he was K.... i was L
i see John was a VFW member...what was his.. Purple Hearts... and Stars award for??
where was he stationed in Nam?? I Mourn for you John............
Rachel Botton (Herron)
The quiet, sweet, humble boy we met in grade school lived a great life and left a wonderful legacy on this earth. In his lifetime, John distinguished himself as a decorated combat medic in Vietnam, a good, kind man, a loving husband, father and friend and a man of deep faith dedicated to God. John has journeyed to his eternal home where we will all meet again someday.
Tony Kuebler
There isn't anything I can add to the comments by those who knew him best. It's a shame we find out so much about a person after they are gone; another great member of the Class of 67. May he and all the others Rest in Peace. Proud to be a Classmate!!