Annette Pape Kelleher
December 28, 1943 – May 28, 2021
Preceded in death by parents, Stephan and Anna Pape; sisters, Regina McCarty and Dolores Wunn; brother, Leander Pape.
Survived by husband, Patrick J. Kelleher; daughters, Lisa Anne Kelleher and Keri Marie Kelleher; sisters, Theresa McCarty and Mary Pape; brothers, Rudolph Pape (Marian) and Anthony Pape (Marlene); numerous nieces and nephews.
VIGIL SERVICE: Tuesday, June 1st, 7pm at the West Center Chapel with family receiving friends from 5pm to 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, June 2nd, 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church (11802 Pacific Street). Interment: Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, the Institute of Apostolic Oblates in Elkhorn, or ABLAZE Worship.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service and Funeral Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and press the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
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Annette, the last of eight children, was born on December 28, 1943, in Tacoma, Washington where her father had gone to obtain work in the shipyards during World War II. Her parents, Stephan and Anna Pape, had emigrated to the United States as a young couple and had lived first in South Dakota, then, after Washington, moved to Sheldon, Iowa where her father opened a welding business.
Annette graduated from Sheldon High School and later from Creighton University. She taught school at South High in Omaha and in Burlington, Iowa. A career in real estate and as a State Farm Insurance agent followed later. Annette taught home-buying classes at Creighton University and insurance classes at Metro Tech.
Patrick Kelleher and Annette were married on July 6, 1968. They became parents to two daughters, Lisa and Keri.
Annette’s dream was to travel—and did she travel—to Paris, Ireland, Vienna, Rome, and western Europe with Patrick. Trips to Colorado with Patrick, and Lisa and Keri as children, were taken. Later many more trips were made to Rome to visit her cousin, Fr. Basil Heiser, OFM Conv., with various friends or relatives. Pilgrimages from St. Robert Bellarmine and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Churches were made to many holy sites, including the Holy Land. Lisa, Patrick, and Annette also made annual trips to California and Colorado to visit relatives.
Annette loved her Catholic faith and was so grateful to her parents who had brought the precious gift from Germany. Annette remembers her mother quoting the scripture verse, “What does it profit one if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his soul?”
Special thanks to special niece, Debbie Bode, who was a caregiver.
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10 Comments
I am very sorry to hear of Annette’s passing. She was a lovely lady of faith and integrity. I worked for her around 20 years ago at her State Farm office and enjoyed both her and Pat. I will keep her and the entire family in my prayers.
Mr. Kelleher, Lisa & Keri-
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your wife/mother. We fondly remember your family living across the street from the Dennis Family on Heavenly Drive. Loss is hard…we know. We pray that God comfort all of you during this difficult time. Blessings.
Patrick and family, you know my heart goes out to you! Thankfully you have the peace in knowing that Annette is with the Lord!
God be with you all.
Pat, Lisa and Keri
Annette was an absolute delight to know. He had joined me on pilgrimages and was signed up for the Oberammergau trip. She was always so positive, filled with joy, great outlook on life, and enjoyed every moment. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she clearly said she would fight and try to beat it so she could go to Oberammergau. . I truly enjoyed very moment of knowing her, and will pray for her soul and for your consolation.
I regret I am out of town and will not be able to join you for her funeral. I will be praying for you on Tuesday at the time of her funeral
My heart goes out to you Pat, Lisa and Keri. Annette was one of the most loving and caring people that I have ever met. She had a heart for Jesus, and I take comfort in knowing that one day we will see her again in his Kingdom. God commands us to love our neighbor as ourself and Annette and Pat were so kind to us when we lived next door to them. Annette always said a close good neighbor was better than a relative far away. Kenny never forgot you during his bedtime prayers and we will never forget you. Until we see you again, Jesse, Mamie, Ken and Kiel
I am so sorry for your loss. When I think of your wife and mother I remember her saying your family celebrated Memorial Day and the 4th of July with Steak and champagne. I always thought that was perfect!! Great memories!!
My sincere condolences to the Kelleher family and to Mary Pape, Annette’s sister. I met Annette on several occasions through my dear friend, Dianne Wunn Cancian, their niece. Annette was a lovely, fun person and she will be greatly missed. May God give your comfort in your sorrow.
Pat and family—my sincere sympathies to all of you in the loss of Annette. I worked as a Life Underwriting Supervisor for State Farm in their Lincoln office, and I first met Annette when she became a State Farm agent. She was a consummate professional in her insurance agency and was wonderful to work for and work with. Please know that our prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
My condolences…Pat, I know Peggy…we went to Sacred Heart together!!
Patrick it sounds like Annette had a wonderful life and a wonderful family. I have found that when someone you love so deeply passes they are never gone and live on in your heart. I know she will always be with you and that both your lives were better having had shared so much time together. You are in my thoughts and prayers
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