Matthew J. KeefeRacine- Matthew J. Keefe, 93, passed away on September 3, 2010 surrounded by his family. A man of honor and principle left this world to receive his heavenly reward and be reunited with his wife. Matt was born March 14, 1917 to the late Matthew E. and Loretta (Quinn) Keefe in Racine, WI. During his first year of life his mother died as a result of the flu epidemic. Until the age of 10, he was raised by extended family (which included 3 beloved great aunts). At that time Matt's father married Clara (Zimmer) Keefe. This event chronicled the move from the family home on Superior Street to the home on Carlisle Avenue which his father built. Matt attended St. Patrick's Elementary School graduating in 1931 and St. Catherine's High School graduating in 1935. While growing up he attended St. Patrick Catholic Church and then later on became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Other than his time served in the Armed Forces and a year in LaCrosse, he lived his entire 93 years in the City of Racine.On May 3, 1941 Matt was married in Milwaukee at St. Elizabeth Church to Lorraine (Lanser) Keefe. They were married 61 years when Lorraine passed away on December 5, 2002. Matt served in the United States Army from 1942 until 1946 during World War II and was stationed in New Guinea. He purchased Keefe and Company, an insurance and real estate agency, from his father and operated it until 1967 when he sold it. He then went to work as a Real Estate Tax Assessor retiring from the City of Racine in 1982. Matt was a founding member of the Racine Jaycees, an original member of the Racine Serra Club and the VFW Post 1391. He was extremely proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #697 for over 75 years. Matt was a former member of the Racine Insurance Agents Association, the Racine Elks and the Northside Businessman's Association.Matt and Lorraine were the proud parents of seven children, Patrick (Diana) Keefe of Kentucky; Kathleen (Richard) Bertola of Racine; the late James Keefe; Mary (Ken) Barrett of LaCrosse; Ellen (Charles) Svendsen of Racine; Margaret (Steve) Otto of Onalaska and the late Timothy Keefe.Matt is further survived by grandchildren: Matthew (Fiona Rowe) Keefe and Kevin Keefe, Michael (Jamie Leonoff) Bertola; Gina (Michael) Slye, Dr. Korey Barrett, Jamie (Nick) Barrett-Hotchkiss, Sarah (Jeremy) Barrett- Mosley, Angela (Jose' Escobar) Svendsen; Brian Svendsen; Benjamin (Kirby Knapmiller) Otto; Gretchen Otto; and step grandchildren: Michael and Christian Phillips and 8 great grandchildren: Emily, Caitlin, Andrew, Tighe, McKenna, Micah, Mykaila, Zaida, and step-great-granddaughter, Karina and by sister, Delores Bethke, sister-in-law, June Lanser, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name.In addition to his wife, two sons, and parents, Matt was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Dr. J. Patrick McCarty; brothers-in-law Gerald Bethke, Rod Lanser and mother and father in-law Catherine and Peter Lanser.Funeral Mass for Matt will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. John Aiello officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor the memory of their father by doing a good deed in his name. Memorials also been suggested to St. Monica's, St. Joseph Catholic Church or charity of your choosing.The family would like to thank Sister Irene, Sister Angelica, Sister Rose Terese, Sister Clare Marie and the entire staff of St. Monica's for the care that they have provided to their dad for the last five years. We will not forget your kindness.