Patrick Edward Keigher

Patrick Edward Keigher was born on the family farm in Manteno, Illinois on October 13, 1932 and entered eternal life on February 17, 2023, at the age of 90. He was the youngest of six children born to Frank and Helen Connolly Keigher. After his mother died at age five, he attended Our Lady Academy, Manteno and was reared by his father, his sisters and the nuns. Patrick was a boarding school student at St. Bede’s Academy, Peru, Ill. where he graduated as Valedictorian of his high school class. He attended Marquette University and graduated with a degree in Accounting. He returned to his hometown to embark in a career with the Smith Insurance and Real Estate Agency on Main Street, Manteno. Before retiring, he was a Broker/Owner with the Coldwell Banker Lincolnland. He will always be remembered as a man of integrity, values, and fun-loving personality. Patrick is survived by his beloved wife of 60 plus years, Jean (Breault) Keigher whom he married June 23, 1962 at St. Patrick’s Church, Kankakee, Ill. They met on a blind date for the St. Patrick Central Huddle Club Dance. He was the devoted and loving father of three children Julianne (Henry) Lange Atlanta, Ga., Terry (Erin) Keigher of Homewood, Ill. and Connolly Keigher of Washington, D.C.; cherished grandfather of Conor (Anna) Lange, Patrick (Mary Grace) Lange, Paige Lange, Grace Keigher, Anna Keigher and Jack Keigher; very fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Francis Keigher, mother, Helen Connolly Keigher and step-mother, Margaret Smith Keigher; siblings, Leo (Della) Keigher, Rita (Francis) Smith, Lois Keigher, Mary (Pete) Fleming, Manning (Lily) Keigher. Patrick was a man about faith, family, and community. He was a life-long resident of Manteno and loved living in Manteno because he knew everyone’s name. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he served on many parish boards and programs including the Knights of Columbus. Patrick was a founding board member of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce, served on the Homestar Bank Board of Directors, and Kankakee County Board of Review. He was President of the Manteno Public Library Board where he was instrumental in securing funds to build the new town library. He served on the Manteno School Board, Kankakee County Board of Realtors, Manteno Little League and Manteno Youth Soccer. He was a volunteer and supporter for the Democratic Party. He was a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bishop McNamara and Marquette University. He was named Daily Journal Senior Citizen of the Year. Patrick is an example of life well lived and loved. Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, 291 N. Main Street, Manteno, IL 60950. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 207 S. Main Street, Manteno IL. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Manteno. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Church in Manteno: Bell Fund or Bishop McNamara Catholic High School.

Patrick Edward Keigher

October 13, 1932 - February 17, 2023