Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Cornelius O'Keefe, "Neil"

Passed away on August 19, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Cornelius “Neil” O’Keefe on August 19, 2025 at the age of 86.  Neil will be remembered for his quick wit, kind smile, and the unwavering love he showed his family every day.  He had a gift for conversation and could strike up a chat with anyone he met, but more importantly he was an exceptional listener, someone you could turn to for advice, comfort, or encouragement.  His love of travel carried him around the world – not bad for a skinny Irish kid from South Deering.  Along the way he brought laughter, connection, and friendship to all who knew him. 

Neil was loved by Donna, his wife of 64 years; their children Kelly (O’Keefe) Zupan, Kathleen (O’Keefe) Robin, Karen (O’Keefe) Farrer and her husband David, and Kevin O’Keefe and his wife Tina, as well as 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, all whom brought him immense pride and joy. 

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:00 am DIRECTLY at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church 11000 W. 133rd  Ave. Cedar Lake, Indiana 46303. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital by using this link Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Arrangements entrusted to Elmwood Funeral Chapel and Crematory.  For more information 219-374-9300 or www.elmwoodchapel.com

 

Funeral Mass:
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church
11000 W. 133rd Ave.
Cedar Lake, Indiana 46303
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 10:00 am

Condolences
"You are all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻 my condolences to the whole family 🙏🏻 Grandpa will be missed very much. A very wise and hopeful man that truly inspired us all. Sincerely with Love & Sympathy, Isabella and Mia Kallis's Mother Georgiana Kallis"
- Georgiana Kallis
August 20, 2025 12:30 pm
"So sorry for your loss. I cannot make the memorial but will be thinking of you all. Cousin Neil made me smile with a few stories at my mom’s wake. I will always remember that. Prayers to everyone. Love, Susan "
- Susan Bergdolld-Shaughnessy
August 20, 2025 5:49 pm
"Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. I fondly remember Mr Mr. O'Keefe as a very kind person. Take care. Kim and Linas Bartuska"
- Kimberly Bakovich Bartuska
August 21, 2025 6:37 am
"Joe, my Mom-Kathy & I, we send our deepest condolences & sympathy to all of you in the family. We were so sad to hear the news of Mr. O'Keefe, he was such a nice great person. Your all in our thoughts & prayers. Take care."
- Joe & Lydia Sarcinella/Kathy Gutierrez
August 21, 2025 10:00 am
"With a heavy heart I send my sympathy, prayers, and condolences. Mr O'KEEFE was always such a nice man and always smiling. "
- Michael Piaskowski
August 21, 2025 4:23 pm
"I’ll always remember helping Niel and Donna sell their vets park house. I know it was emotional for them. But I also had the pleasure of taking them to cedar lake where they found a house that they liked. I got to know them pretty well. I enjoyed every minute with them. They trusted me and that’s what means the most to me. I’ll pray for your family to peace. I tried to figure out how to come and pay my respects but unfortunately I won’t be able to attend. God bless Okeefes"
- John A Tumpich jr.
August 21, 2025 5:30 pm
"I’m very sorry for your loss. My condolences to the entire O’Keefe family. 🙏🏻"
- Laura Gorniak-Lowing
August 22, 2025 8:32 pm
"I want to send my condolences to the family. Uncle Neil was always incredibly kind to me, and I always appreciated that. I planned to attend the service, but unfortunately was unable to make it. You are all in my prayers. "
- Joseph Scalzitti
August 23, 2025 10:23 am
"To Mom, Kel, Kath, Kar & Kevin: I was deeply saddened by the news of Dad's passing. He was a great neighbor, who always treated me well...like family. May Dad RIP & go with God. Please accept my deepest condolences & big hugs to you all. I hope that every thought of Dad makes you smile more than cry. ❤️🙏🏻"
- Budge
August 23, 2025 10:43 am
Candles Lit
"My deepest sympathies go out to the entire family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in paradise. ✝️🕊️"
- Milena Matic
August 21, 2025 5:39 pm
"May God Grant Him Eternal Rest. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Love Eddie & Diana "
- Diana Rodriguez
August 21, 2025 9:53 pm