William J. O’Keefe, 76, of Wheeling retired in 1983 as an installer for the former Western Electric Corp., Rolling Meadows. Mr. O’Keefe, a Chicago native, died Saturday, June 17, in ManorCareHealth Services, Northbrook. Mr. O’Keefe served with the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock in the Pacific during World War II. After three years of wartime service, he served 27 more years in the U.S. Naval Reserves as an aircraft ordnance chief. Mr. O’Keefe was commander of American Legion Post 791, Northbrook, from 1974 to 1975. “He was always very playful,” said his daughter Melissa. “He enjoyed playing catch, flying kites, spending time with us. He loved music. He loved airplanes. …He used to quiz my brothers about the names of planes. He was a good family man.” Other survivors include his wife, Marilyn; two sons, Sean and James; another daughter, Kathleen; and a grandson. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, when a service will begin, in Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling.
