Timothy O'Keefe

Timothy Connell O’Keefe, age 38, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away at home on July 20, 2026, from complications related to a seizure. He was born on December 17, 1987, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Timothy attended grade school in Stevens Point before moving with his family to Madison in 2001. He continued his education at Whitehorse Middle School and graduated from La Follette High School. For ten years, he worked for the Madison Metropolitan School District, shredding documents for the Building Services Department—a job he took great pride in. When work was suspended during the COVID pandemic, Timothy and his family began a home laundry service supporting people with disabilities and older adults.

Diagnosed with developmental delays at age two and autism at age three, Timothy did not speak but learned to type to communicate in kindergarten. He continued to strengthen this skill throughout his life. In his teens, epilepsy and other mental and physical challenges emerged, yet they never diminished his determination to live fully and joyfully.

Timothy was a vibrant artist who loved working with color. He enjoyed all kinds of music, road trips near and far, and was an enthusiastic Milwaukee Brewers fan and faithfully cheered for the Green Bay Packers every fall. He was dedicated to his work but treasured his free time—lunch outings with his dad, cross‑country travels with his mom, and movie nights and dinners with his friend Kristen. He was a member of Common Grace in Madison, the Arc of Wisconsin, and the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin. He especially enjoyed attending autism conferences, both in person and online, and even traveled to Dallas for the Autism Society of America’s national conference. In his teenage years, he enjoyed summer camp at Easter Seals.

Family was central to Timothy’s life. He shared a close bond with his father, John O’Keefe, and cherished visits with his sister, Megan O’Keefe, and her wife, Crystal Silkwood. He adored their children—his twin nephews and his niece, who he lovingly called “cutie pie.” Timothy came from large extended families, and many relatives stayed connected through visits and social media, offering love and support across the miles. His uncles Richard Linton and Aaron O’Keefe were especially present in his life. He also treasured his Kleven step‑siblings, especially his “bro,” Caleb.

For 17 years, Timothy received vocational support from ICW, where his job coaches became like family. He deeply appreciated each of them, especially Nabil, Abdou, John, Tyler, Jasmine, and Teddi. He received meaningful support from the University of Wisconsin Waisman Center and valued home visits from Jule and Mary. He benefited from specialized typing instruction from Char and Sally and enjoyed typing with friends, especially Glenn. He shared a particularly close bond with Sue, his overnight caregiver.

Timothy is survived by his mother, Mary Pat Kleven (Emery); father John O’Keefe; sister Megan O’Keefe (Crystal Silkwood); nephews Thomas Silkwood and Elliott Silkwood; niece Violette Silkwood; uncles Richard Linton, David (Sylvia) Linton, Aaron (Lonna) O’Keefe, Matthew O’Keefe, Joshua (Carolina) O’Keefe; aunts Diana (Gerry) Keuper, Kathy Ross, Mary (Greg) Flees; step‑siblings Venche (Ben) Anderson, Bente (Brett) Wagner, Isaac (Melinda) Kleven, and Caleb Kleven; step‑nieces and nephews Noah Kleven, Anya Anderson, Adelaide Kleven, and Oliver Kleven; and numerous cousins, especially Amy Mrozek, Sara Mrozek, Brittany Burant, Jennifer Reesman, and Corrine (Russell) Patrick.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Thomas and Jean Linton and Elizabeth and James O’Keefe; uncles Daniel O’Keefe, John Linton, Ron Ross and Michael Mrozek; aunts Kristina Mrozek and Ann Burant and cousin Randy Ross.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15, hosted by Common Grace at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.