Earl Patrick “Pat” Kealy

Earl Patrick “Pat” Kealy

March 17, 1927 – October 15, 2024

Earl Patrick “Pat” Kealy peacefully passed away from natural causes on October 15, 2024, at the age of 97.

Born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1927, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Pat was the eighth child of William Edward Kealy and Irma Vera Stephens Kealy. Eight days after he was born, his mother died from sepsis, and for the first five years of his life, Pat was raised primarily by his maternal aunt, Ruby Ima Stephens Boyer.  At age five, he was reunited with his four sisters, three brothers, father, and stepmother, Edna Mae Kady Kealy.

Pat was a kind and humble person.  Growing up in the depression meant he had to develop skills and learn to work even as an adolescent.  By the time he graduated from Thomas Jefferson high school in 1945, Pat had already enlisted in the Merchant Marines and entered the service upon his graduation.  He became a ship radio operator and spent time in many ports and cities overseas before the end of World War II, and for a period thereafter.

Upon returning home as a World War II Veteran, Pat began working for the Burlington Northern Railroad as a brakeman.  He also bought himself a motorcycle, and caught the eye of a popular lifeguard, Janet Alice Boyer.  On Valentines Day, 1950, Pat and Janet were married, and remained devoted to each other for over 74 years. An industrious man, he worked full-time while supporting a rapidly growing family and attended Creighton College (now University), and ultimately obtained a bachelor’s degree in 1962, with a major in accounting.  Just one year later, Pat and Janet welcomed their ninth child. In 1968, Pat entered a Graduate School program at Creighton University and obtained his MBA in 1970.

Pat left his position with the railroad in the early 1960’s for a job at newly opened Western Electric in Omaha, where he became the Department Chief of Construction and Maintenance. During his nearly 26 years with Western Electric, those who worked with him expressed admiration and fondness for him, citing the respect and decency he demonstrated to them.

In 1965, Pat built a 6-bedroom home in Ralston, Nebraska, which remained the family home for 57 years. Pat was a meticulous do-it-yourselfer who could and did fix anything and everything, and had the cleanest cars and best kept lawn in the neighborhood.  He was a hard man to hold down, sneaking onto ladders in his late 80’s to clean the gutters, remove storm debris on the roof, paint or do other home improvements.  He took pride in jobs well done.

Pat followed his kids competing in sports and coached his two youngest daughters in softball.  He was a Nebraska Cornhusker fan, first listening to Lyle Bremser announce the games on the radio, and later attending games in Lincoln. There were many fall Saturdays when the entire neighborhood was busy outside raking leaves and had radios blaring so that everyone could hear the game.

Once Pat retired in 1988, he and Janet did some traveling overseas and around the United States, often to visit family members and attend weddings and birthdays.  The game of golf became the hobby he most pursued with a group of pals, particularly his best pal and older brother, Bill Kealy.

Pat was a faithful Catholic and a longtime parishioner at St. Gerald’s church. Few people have genuinely incorporated the teachings of Jesus into their daily life as well as Pat.  He respected others and lived his life with humility and integrity.  As a loyal husband and devoted father, Pat often found ways to give extended family members a helping hand, whether old or young.  He lived each day with Janet until his last day, and was visited often by his children, grandchildren, and other family members.  Our family was so blessed to have such a wonderful man for so many years.

Pat was predeceased by his mother, father and stepmother; as well as his seven siblings, Mildred Pabst (Gene), Sally Yochem (Delbert), Ruth Forystek (Frank), Marion Kealy, Bill Kealy (Betty, and Lorraine), Norma Giovacchini (Jim), Paul “Dean” Kealy (Marjorie); two daughters, Teresa Kealy and Susan Kealy Watson; and grandchildren, Shelli Dawdy and Mike Leslie.

Pat is survived by his wife, Janet, and seven children, Colleen Gibilisco (Rick), Maureen Theby (Mike), Jane Schomer, Pat Kealy (Pam), Mike Kealy (Karen), Laura Kealy Fallon (Alex), Maria Herber (Jim), 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

VIGIL and ROSARY: Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 7:00PM, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, October 25, 2024, at 10:30AM, St. Gerald Catholic Church (West)  9602 “Q” Street, Omaha. Reception will follow in the Church Hall.

INTERMENT and GRAVESIDE SERVICE:  Friday, October 25, 2024, at 2:30PM, St. Joseph Cemetery, East Pierce St. and McPherson Ave., Council Bluffs, IA

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Gerald Catholic Church

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “LiveCast” button at the top of home page.