O'KEEFE, Charles J., Dr. 1872-1927

OKEEFE, PAGE, SHOWERMAN, GOLINVANT, HOGAN

Posted By: Chris Tonn (email)
Date: 8/26/2014 at 21:32:52

CALLED HOME

Dr. C.J. O'Keefe Dies at His Home Last Thursday Morning.

The entire community was shocked Thursday morning when it was learned that Dr. C,J. O'Keefe had passed away. He appeared unusually well Wednesday caring for patients at his office, and attending to professional duties. About 8 o'clock in the evening he was taken very ill, and it was soon apparent that medical skill was of no avail. Death came at 1:30 o'clock Thursday morning.

Dr. O'Keefe has been troubled with heart disease for the past four years, and lately by illness, during which he was confined to St. Frances hospital at Waterloo for twelve weeks.

Dr. O'Keefe was born on March 19, 1872, in Barclay township in Black Hawk county, Iowa, the son of John and Ellen O'Keefe, pioneer residents of that locality. He attended the township schools and Gates Business College in Waterloo, graduating in the late 80's. After his graduation he attended the University of Iowa and the medical department of Drake University at Des Moines, graduating from the latter in 1894.

Following his graduation from the medical school, Dr. O'Keefe started practicing medicine in Marble Rock, and has been here since that time. During the world war he enlisted in the medical corps and served as a first lieutenant, being stationed at Oglethorpe, Georgia. He was a member of the Catholic church, the Knights of Columbus at Greene, the B.P.O. Elks lodge at Charles City, the American Legion and was a charter member of the Marble Rock Woodman lodge.

He was united in marriage to Mrs. Mattie Showerman, widow of the deceased Earl Showerman, at Waverly, Iowa, on July 31, 1896. He is survived by his widow, his mother, Mrs. J. O'Keefe of Waterloo and his two nieces, Mrs. C.J. Golinvant of Monroe, Michigan, and Mrs. M.B. Hogan of Dubuque.

Impressive funeral services marked the final rites held for Dr. C.J. O'Keefe Saturday. Requiem high mass was sung at the service held at 10:30 at the Catholic church in Roseville, and the sermon was preached by Rev. Father Whalen of Sumner, Rev. Father Likel assisting in the mass. The remains were then taken overland to Waterloo where prayer services were held from St. Joseph's Catholic church at two o'clock.

Full military honors were accorded the deceased, with a funeral detail furnished by the American Legion post of Marble Rock at Waterloo. At the grave the Legionnaires paid their final tribute by firing three volleys and sounding taps. The flag surmounting the casket, was then presented to the widow, and the guard stood at attention while the body was lowered into the grave. Pallbearers at the funeral included W.C. Smith, John Moore, and Dr. S.W. McNinch of Marble Rock; Dr. Wayne and Dr. Call of Greene and ?? of Rockford.

Marble Rock will ever cherish the memory of Dr. O'Keefe. He labored faithfully and well for this community for thirty years, and his widow has the sympathy of all.

Source: Marble Rock Journal, Marble Rock, Iowa January 20, 1927