Michael J. Keefe

Michael J. Keefe, 81, of Collinsville, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Michael was born January 10, 1945, in East St. Louis, IL, the son of the late Henry and Eda Mae (nee Klapp) Keefe.

A lifelong learner, dedicated public servant, and proud veteran, Michael devoted much of his life to serving others—through his career, his community, and his military service. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Saint Louis University in 1967. He went on to receive a Master of Science degree in City and Regional Planning from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1975, with a concentration in City Management and Planning, followed by a Master of Business Administration degree from SIUE in 1978, with a concentration in Finance.

Michael retired as Vice President of The Bank of Edwardsville in Collinsville. Earlier in his career, he worked at Central Bank in Collinsville and served as an instructor at Southwestern Illinois College. His commitment to public service also extended to his country. During the Vietnam conflict, Michael honorably served in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain - “Two tours, 81 combat missions…war is hell”. His military service was an important part of a life defined by a strong sense of duty, leadership, and service to others.

Michael was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville. He was a devoted family man, a huge Billiken fan where he played on the Basketball Team his Freshman year of school.

Throughout his life, Michael generously gave his time, leadership, and talents to his community. He previously served on the Collinsville Convention Center Board, Collinsville City Council, Collinsville Sunrise Kiwanis, Collinsville City TIF Board of Review, United Way Partnership Board, Collinsville Italian Fest Committee, Collinsville Chamber of Commerce, Collinsville Economic Development Commission, Collinsville YMCA Fundraising Committee, and the American Red Cross Illinois District Advisory Council.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanne S. (nee Sims) Keefe, whom he married March 8, 1969, and who passed away December 17, 2005; his second wife, Judith Lynn (nee Dunne) Keefe, whom he married November 29, 2014, and who passed away July 1, 2026; and two brothers, Richard F. Keefe and Patrick H. Keefe.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Kara (Joseph) Graham of Naperville, IL; two grandchildren, Natalie and Patrick; his brother, Robert E. Keefe of Belleville, IL; sister-in-law, Esther Keefe of Waterloo, IL; Judith’s daughters, Michelle (Kevin) Beasley of Stallings, NC, and Molly (Eric) White of Wilmington, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, and from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, with Father Michael Rosa serving as celebrant. Burial with military honors will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Glen Carbon, IL.

Memorials are suggested to Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and K9s for Warriors. They will be received at the visitation or may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.