Kenneth “Pix” Keefe
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Saturday, December 11, 1954
Date of Death:
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Age:
67 years old
Kenneth “Pix” Keefe
Kenneth Russell Keefe, 67 years young, of Rochester, MN, went to heaven on Tuesday, June 28th 2022 at his home following a cardiac arrest. His loving wife, Jean, and family were by his side.
Pixie came into this world at a whopping 10 pounds 14 ounces on December 11, 1954 in Rochester. This would be a foreshadowing of his larger-than-life personality and heart. His lifelong nickname “Pix” is a shortened version of the name “Pickles”, given to him due to his childhood love of pickles. Pix graduated from John Marshall High School in 1973. He was raised by his loving and hard-working parents Kenny and Doris Keefe, along with his two sisters, Patricia (Butch) Podolske, Annie Gunderson, and big brother Irv (JoAnn) Keefe. Pix shared many memories of the house on Broadway, working manual labor on his uncle’s farm and ultimately later taking over the family business of Keefe Transfer. Pix’s philosophy was to work hard, but always make time to play hard too.
Pix’s motto was “Can Do” (we don’t say “can’t”), and that’s what he taught his six kids, Nate (Stephanie) Keefe, Valerie (Chris) Reimers, Kim (Craig) Stolp, Holly (Trevor) Reed, Tiffany (Joe) Lawler, and Kirsten (Jarrad) Nickolite, who he raised with his wife of 28 years, Jean Keefe. Pix and Jean forged a marriage built on trust, love, faith, and family. They instilled a deep love of family gatherings, 4th of July parties, annual State Fair trips, hunting excursions, boating on the Mississippi River with our “River Family”, and spending countless nights under the stars on their back patio overlooking the City of Rochester. Jean was Pix’s one and only. They expressed their love through the little things, notes in the morning, voicemails that are now priceless. Whenever “their song” came on, he would get her out on the dance floor and dance like it was their wedding day all over again. They stuck together, through thick and thin. She knows she will see him again someday, and finds great peace in that.
Pix’s pride and joy was his 18 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Makayla (Dylan) Fitzpatrick, Maddi Ryan, Chase Reimers, Taylar Horsman, Emma Keefe, Mackinzee Reed, Abby Keefe, Kylee Reed, Ken Olson, Aubrey Lawler, Liz Olson, Wyatt Reimers, Ava Lawler, Lyvia Lawler, Carter Stolp, Zak Stolp, Luke Lawler, Patrick Nickolite, Bryant Fitzpatrick, Maverick Fitzpatrick, and Logan Fitzpatrick. These kids loved cuddling on Grandpa’s lap, leaving the sliding door open just to keep him on his toes, and listening to his story of “Ticky and Tocky” over and over again. They finally will get a break from picking up wagon loads of sticks for one dollar.
Pix had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room and his jovial spirit and positivity radiated from his smile and blue eyes wherever he went. He had many close friendships and loved to socialize throughout town at his favorite local restaurants. He especially looked forward to St. Patrick’s Day; Amazing Grace on the bagpipes would bring tears to his eyes every time. Whether it was July or January, you would always catch Pix wearing shorts. He would expect anyone attending his celebrations over the coming days to follow suit and “be comfortable for God sakes”.
His laugh and love of life was palpable. He had a deep relationship with God and said he was ready to go whenever his maker wanted to call him home to be with his parents, friends, aunts, uncles, and other family that are waiting to greet him with open arms.
The Funeral Service for Pix will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 11:00AM at Calvary Evangelical Free Church (5500 25th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901) with Pastor Tim Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening, July 6, 2022 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, along with one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery Rochester.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Kenneth “Pix” Keefe has received the following condolences.
Very sorry to hear of Kens passing. We were classmates in the class of 1973. Ken was always happy and joking. He will be missed by many.
Sincerely,
Mary (Hoppa) Coleman
Jean,
I just read today of Pix’s passing. I’m so sad to hear this awful news. What a guy he was!!! I so enjoyed getting to know him at CHIP class when we were there together. He was a fun guy. My heart is grieving for you as I know you will miss your guy. I do not know what else to say, but know that I love you.
jennifer Furst
I have happy memories of times with Pix. Unfortunately we can't attend the funeral due to illness. May God be with you in this tough time.
Pix was one of my best childhood friends. We met when we were 7 years old, and continued our friendship thru Elementary, Kellogg Jr. High, and John Marshall High. Played at Goose Egg Park, skate boarded together, went to mixer’s at Kellogg. Always a big smile and hug when we ran into each other. Say, hi to Bruce when you see him. ?
Jean, Myron and I will keep you and Pix’s family in our prayers for peace, love and forever beautiful memories until you meet again.?
Holly, stay strong. you had an amazing dad. He will live in your heart until you meet again. ? Patti
Where to start. What to say. Nor words can ever express the hole in your world now.
To have shared in such a lifeforce and all that brought--a legacy of family and friends and business associates. Know that I send to you light and love and energy to finding your way forward. Pix would have a story for times like this...that's the cool part, all his stories. (((HUGS))) lizzi
Please accept our deepest sympathy. We had many fun times over our span of 60 years knowing "Pix". He will be greatly missed. Love you!! Paul & Cathi Dallman
EVERYONE TRIES TO COME UP WITH THE PERFECT WORDS,THERE ARE NONE. I DO KNOW I HAVE MANY MEMORIES OF SITTING IN
THE MIDDLE OF THE NORTH DAKOTA PRAIRIE NEAR A POTHOLE HUNTING WITH PIX AND THEY ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES.
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, ED AND KYRA CAMPBELL
My sincere condolences to the family for this great loss.
The Sibley family loves the Keefe family and our prayers are with you all.
Sorry to hear of your loss it is painful to loose the ones we love here on earth. We will meet later in a different home.
We have known the Keefe family for many years and we sad to hear of this loss.
Tom, Ethel & Brian Joswick
Dear Jean and family. We are sending our heart felt care and sorrow for your sudden lost of such a zesty man! Heaven is real but the loss felt is also very real. Hugs across the miles... Curt and Faye
Pix would come to church during the winter wearing a short sleeve shirt and pair of winter gloves. He always had a joyful and peaceful presence. Would look you in the eye, shake your hand firmly, and genuinely ask how your week was. He was a rock and God wanted him home. Look forward to seeing you later my friend.
My dear ones! I'm so sorry in the sudden loss of Pix! What a shock! Pux and all of you are in my prayers! Cousin, Marilyn Baker
Please accept my deepest condolences and sympathy. I met Pixie many years ago as a young boy loading liquor with my dad. He was always very fun to talk to over the next 40 years. The last ten years our schedules differed, so I wouldn’t see him as often. During holiday weeks n such I would see him and have great conversations about the good ol days, and how he was enjoying all his Grandkids. It was a honor Knowing Pixie. My thoughts and Prayers will be with all of his Family.
Mike Hirt
Hirt Trucking
Bemidji, Mn.
Our condolences to the Keefe family.
We met Pix and his father Ken 40 years ago, they used to have breakfast and lunch at Cheap Charlies Cafe for many years.
Pix was a great person. It is sad that he passed away so soon.
RIP Pix Keefe.
Richard & Diana Chia
I never had the pleasure of knowing Pix, but I have you Jean and if he was anything as delightful as you, he was a great testimony of love for the Lord and those the Lord placed in his life. It's very sad to be sending you these condolences, but am so confident of the hope you have of seeing him again. With much sympathy and love, Martha
I am so sorry. He was such a larger than life person. Loved his sense of humor. Breaks my heart. My heart goes out to you.
Dear Jean and family,
Our neighborhood won't be the same without Pix! He never drove by without stopping in the middle of the road to say hello, share a kind word, tell us a joke, and give us an update on what was happening about town. I often joked with him that he would run out of gas idling if he and Mark talked and laughed any longer! We last spoke with him on the evening before he died, as we were walking our pup and he was on his way home. He spoke of his plans for mowing, riding motorcycles over the 4th for the Shriners, the beautiful weather, what a cute pup we had, and anything else that was cheerful and fun. He was as Irish as can be with his bigger than life personality and charm. We will miss him forever.
May God bless you with comfort and peace as you learn to live without his physical presence in your lives.
Jayne and Mark
Dear Patty,
Very sorry to see this news of Pix passing away. He helped us move a couple different times and was so easy going and friendly. Prayers for your family.
hi Jeannie, this is Marsha Marsha Marsha from the butcher shop, and I'm so very very sorry for your loss are pixie what's the best guy ever and I'm sure you're all very devastated Can I just want you to know how much we all enjoyed his jokes and his big smile and he was loved by many he will be missed very very much take care and again love you guys sincerely
Marcia Carmack
To the Keefe family. There are so many memories I have of Pix while growing up on the culdesac. You always knew you were going to get a big hello and a wave when the suburban turned the corner. His love for his family, and dogs, always a positive attitude and always made me smile as a kid growing up.
Pix was one of those neighbors you were glad to have and always had your back. My parents John and Judy still live there and they are so sad he will forever leave a void on 16th Ave.
-Brooke
He was a wonderful guy delivered our spirits for 30+ years. Pix always had some humor for you a little fun jab as walked out the door. Sorry for your loss!!
I graduated with Ken and I always remember his infectious smile and laugh❤️ I use to work at G&M dry cleaners back in the early 70's and I remember him and Irv delivering to Hueys liquor. He always had so much energy and fun doing his job. He will be truly missed? My deepest sympathy and prayers to his family?
Rest in peace Ken
Rebecca Curtis
When first learning of Pix’s passing, this (see below) is what I sent to my uncles; Scott and Frank Silker. As I read Pix’s obituary, I am pleased that the man that we knew, was memorialized in similar impressions and love. This truly showed that Pix was genuine and present with everyone that he came into contact with. He will be dearly missed by everyone’s life that he touched. We are truly blessed having known Ken “Pix” Keefe.
Our immediate note that was sent upon learning of his passing:
Teresa and I are very sad having learned of Pix’s passing. Pix was always larger than life, always greeting people with his smile and chuckle as he engaged you with stories and asking about family.
Pix was a special part of our Silker family and thinking about him; that could be said about whomever he knew. He was family.
Pix will be missed and we can all attest, there is now a void in this world.
RIP Ken and THANK YOU!
David
Sympathies to the Keefe family. I didn’t know him well but my in laws Al and Reine Tupper we’re the Keefe family’s neighbors. Mike will be ready for a classmate in heaven.
This is a shocker. Pix, Irv, and their father Ken used to deliver merchandise from our wholesaler to our store, Eagle Drug, every Tuesday for thirty years. Pix and Irv were always smiling and happy while Ken would always tell me to "start working". I always enjoyed that. I always saw Pix when he was working and he was a hard worker. He also was a great person. It is so sad that he passed away so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. God Bless.
We will miss that smile and twinkling eyes! ?for the family ?
I am so sorry to hear this really sad news. I didn’t know Pix well, but he definitely left an impression with me that I will remember - such a great smile, friendly demeanor, and warm heart - just seemed to be a really fun and loving dad. My deepest condolences to Jean, Kirsten, Tiffany and all the others in Pix’s family. What a loss. Thinking of you all.
Brother Love,
I did not expect you to go before me but here we are. It has been a quite a ride though hasn’t it.
Two young dudes in the 70’s doing what our parents told us not to do. All of the moments are flooding my memory both good and not so good.
I cherish and love you and your family and I cannot say goodbye but only until I see you again.
Too many good times to mention and a few rough patches we made it through by you always being Brother Love.
Till I see you again
Love Scott
To Pix - Geez we will miss you! To the Family - I've known Pix for over 45 years. We loved to talk about the old days movin hootch with his dad in the pickup I think he still has. My Dad and his go way back and Dad did a lot of body work on the truck to keep it "lookin sharp" Always enjoyed our time together weather it was a social run in, he stopped by the shop or Cycle Patrol events. Everyone was his "Brother" and he treated you like it. To say we lost a "Great One" is a understatement. Knowing the party in Heaven just picked up a couple makes me smile. God Speed Old Friend.
With my deepest sympathy. Thinking of you! Deborah, Justin and Ashley Logan and family
I will never forget pix singing Elvis in our basement! I loved him before that, but that took me over the edge...lol he always made me laugh and always made us feel so special.
Jean, you will never be alone,I hope you always know that.
Love you so much
See you soon ,Kathy
To the best dad in the world! The one who taught me everything good, bad and otherwise. We will miss you so much. Life has forever been changed with you gone. We will keep the family strong and always know you are near.
“We’re all in our places with sunshiny faces, this is the way to start a new day.” RIP dad. Love you always n forever, Kim
My heart is heavy and sad for the loss of your dear Pix. He really was one of the BEST!! Such a shock for all of us to hear of his passing. My love and prayers are for all of his family and friends who loved him so dearly. I am his sister Patty’s dear friend and spent many hours with the Keefe family growing up. I will never forget those fun memories with Pix. RIP Pix and know you will always be loved and never forgotten.
Linda RYAN Hughes
Gone too soon! A great guy.....R I P
I will never forget sitting on my deck on Tuesday afternoon and getting a message on my phone that Pix passed away. I slammed my fist on the table and tears started rolling down my cheeks. I just couldn’t imagine the lord taking such a great man at his young age with such an amazing heart of gold. I met Pix over 50 years ago and will always treasure knowing such a great friend. Our condolences go out to his amazing wife (Jean) and all of his children, grandchildren and his family. We will all miss seeing Pix and his friendly wave and his great smile and sense of humor. I know that he will be watching over all of his family and will be sending many signs to all of you. RIP Pix Keefe????☘️☘️