Keefe, James D. (1920-2016)

KEEFE, DOUGLAS, KENT, BEAZLEY, POWELL, FREY

Posted By: Paul Nagy, volunteer (email)
Date: 12/15/2016 at 12:05:24

James D. Keefe
October 2, 1920 - November 9, 2016

James D. Keefe, age 96, of Storm Lake, Iowa, formerly of Early, Iowa, died on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at the Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake.

A son of James and Edith (Douglas) Keefe, James Dale Keefe was born on October 2, 1920, in Sioux City, Iowa. An only child, he was raised in Early on a farm. Shortly after graduating from Early High School, he farmed with his father before he was drafted into the service during World War II. Sent to Air Corp basic training, he volunteered for aerial gunnery training. Next, he was sent to armament school and eventually became a tail gunner in the B-17 bomber. Overall, he did twenty-nine missions over Germany and was awarded three air medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross.

During the war, he met Ruth Keefe. Bidding on her picnic basket at a benefit, he won her heart for only eighteen cents. They married in 1944.

After the war, James raised four children with Ruth while farming in Early where he lived for most of his life. In 1989, once the children had grown, however, they moved from the farm to a house in Early where they lived for seventeen years. He and Ruth enjoyed that home very much.

For many years, James enjoyed pheasant hunting in the fall. He, also, loved to read, play cards, and get in his car and take road trips. James has driven over most of the United States, more than likely.

Having always supported his wife and children, James will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his children: James F. (Kathy) Keefe, of Lake View, Iowa, Patricia Kent, of Denver, Colorado, and Kathleen Keefe, of Storm Lake, Iowa; his grandchildren: Aaron (Aimee) Beazley, Christopher Beazley, Dawn (Dave) Powell, Bridie (Hans) Frey, Andrew (Michele) Kent, and Ryan (Michelle) Keefe; and ten great grandchildren: Tyler, Courtney, Aubree, Adam, Brianna, Austin, Aiden, Halley, Jackson, and Alyssa; as well as extended family members and friends. James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; and his daughter, Margaret “Peggy” Beazley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Monday, November 14, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military rites. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Copyright © 2016, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes

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