Deacon Michael Patrick O'Keefe returned to the arms of his Lord on Feb. 11, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was 75.
Born in Detroit on June 23, 1947, "Deacon Mike" was the loving husband to Roseann for 36 years and the beloved Dad to Brian (Gina), Keri (Brad) Urquhart, and Michael (Stephanie). He was the cherished "papa" to Gabby, Genna, Adrianne, Libby, Olivia, Abby, and Molly, as well as the Dearest Brother to Mary, Diane, Kathy, Patrick, Peter, Gary, and late Dennis. Michael was also Dear Uncle to a flotilla of nieces and nephews.
Deacon O'Keefe was a U.S. Army veteran as well as a proud Catholic deacon for more than 20 years. Ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Detroit on Oct. 2, 1999, Deacon O’Keefe served his first assignment at St. Athanasius Parish Roseville from the time of his ordination until 2014, followed by his final assignment at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in St. Clair Shores.
After receiving his M.A. in Religious Studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, he served as a hospital chaplain and, most recently, as the Christian Service coordinator at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in St. Clair Shores. A retired senior manager at Trott & Trott, Michael had fruitful careers with the Boy Scouts of America as well as the U.S. Veterans Administration. He was also a freelance writer.
Deacon O'Keefe was a kind man who, particularly during his years with Roseann, was a larger-than-life presence in any room who loved having a good time while ensuring that everyone else was doing the same. He will be missed.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 18 at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in St. Clair Shores.
Obituaries for clergy and religious who have lived or served in the Archdiocese of Detroit may be emailed to [email protected]. Obituaries are printed as they are submitted, but may be edited for grammar and style. Detroit Catholic reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions.
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