David Keefe

Selfless beyond measure, Dave Keefe lived his life to the fullest. A lover of all people, he made each and every person he met feel special. Known to hold doors open for perfect strangers, he modeled for others compassion and a humble heart for others in need. Proud of his twenty-one-year sobriety, he became a reliable driver in the community during the Chatfield Western Days often driving people home in the wee hours of the morning in his 1975 six-door Cadillac. His generosity, as well as his fun-loving personality, will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his close family and many special friends.

Reflecting on the year 1956, it was the year of Rock and Roll music sweeping the nation. Elvis Presley appeared on the Ed Sullivan show for the first time, with his current hit, "Heartbreak Hotel" which claimed the charts for eight straight weeks. That same year, David Edward was born to Norbert and Mary (Peters) Keefe on February 9, 1956, in Rochester, Minnesota. Dave's birth brought much joy and happiness into the family home.

Growing up on the family farm, Dave's childhood reflected his sense of adventure as well as his mischievous side. As a young adolescent, he was known to sneak a smoke in his bedroom before school. When his mother cleaned up his room, she located his peanut can with cigarette butts hiding in his dresser drawer, but never said a word. Dave had a reputation throughout his school years as a rebel and would often buck authority to do as he pleased. His grandpa would buzz cut his hair during these years, but once he was old enough to grow out his hair, he kept it that way for the rest of his life! A strapping teen, he loved to eat and never seemed to gain a pound, a quality that many envied as he grew into adulthood.

By 1974, he graduated from Chosen Valley High School and set off to make his way in the world. His first stop was working at Menard's until later he started his own business, Keefe Transfer. Ambitious and bright, he also held a vast array of other jobs over the years. He worked as a heavy equipment operator at Griffin Construction, drove a semi- truck with Bill Funk Trucking touring more than forty-seven states, enjoyed time at Chatfield Elementary School, and most recently held a position as Seafood Chief at J.W.'s Silver Grill in Chatfield. No matter where he landed, he was well-liked by his co-workers and clients. Much like his dad, Norb he could easily carry on a conversation and had a real knack for remembering people's names as well as the stories they shared.

By 1980 he married his high school sweetheart, Donnel Buss. They shared many commonalities and memorable moments. Happily married for twelve years before their marriage ended in divorce, they remained close over the years. Dave always felt close with her loving family and felt blessed to be included in their special events and holidays.

Without a family of his own, he treasured the time he spent with his many special nieces and nephews as well as his brotherhood of the Heaven's Devils, a motorcycle group that he started and was active as the club President for many years. Nothing brought him greater joy than surrounding himself with people. Dave frequented the Silver Grill daily for his morning breakfast right up until the last week of his life. He enjoyed starting his day out with the company of good friends and good coffee and eating his share of food with little cost to him!!! After breakfast he would make his way down to CBS (Chatfield body shop) for the latest news. He always said that was better then the today show. Way more news!!!

Blessed beyond measure with so many to support him, more than three hundred friends and family gathered to celebrate his final birthday with a pizza party. Dave visited with friends sharing stories and laughter and felt grateful for the opportunity to make such a lasting memory.

Dave enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Known as a pack rat he loved attending auctions to add to his collection of antique John Deere tractors. With more than twenty of them, he had plenty to show off when people came out to the farm! Another treasure in his collection was a special 1978 Black and Red (Smokey and the Bandit) Camaro that he bought new for $7,500. A nature lover, Dave loved to plant trees on his property and tend to their every need. His small forest was gaining momentum and he felt blessed to add to the natural beauty of the farm he cherished throughout his lifetime. Dave truly had no enemies. Kind and compassionate, he modeled a lifetime of commitment and service to others. Although Dave will be deeply missed, he leaves behind many wonderful memories to be savored by all who knew and loved him.

David Edward Keefe, 63, of Chatfield, MN passed peacefully on the Keefe family farm where he grew up, on his birthday, Saturday, February 9, 2019. David is survived by his mother, Mary, siblings; Thomas (Julie), Daniel (Sue) and Mary "Betts" (Bill) Funk, and many special nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him dearly. Dave was a stranger to none and a friend to many. He was preceded in death by his father, Norbert and his favorite dog, Mabel. A Funeral Mass for David will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chatfield, with the Reverend Edward McGrath officiating. Visitation will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church from 4-7 p.m. Thursday and 10 11 a.m. Friday. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in the spring. Pallbearers will be Dan Burk, Bill Burk, John Goldsmith, Paul Tuohy, Randy Griffin & Jeff Mickelson. honorary pallbearers will be the Heaven's Devils motorcycle club. Please share a memory of David at his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.