MAYVILLE — Don Elton Keefe, 83, of Mayville, passed away Dec. 21, 2020, at the Heritage Green Rehab and Skilled Nursing facility in Greenhurst, N.Y.

He was born Sept. 30, 1937, in Jamestown, N.Y., the son of the late Donald Keefe Sr and Virginia Stafford Keefe.

Don was a graduate of Tucson High School in Arizona. After high school he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.

He owned and operated his own dairy farm for many years in Stedman and also enjoyed making his own wines. Don was a loving family man, strong and humble, with a great sense of humor.

Don is survived by his wife, Michelle M. Krusen Keefe of Stedman, whom he married May 23, 1959 at the Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church in Chautauqua, N.Y.; five children: Robin Nielsen and husband, Karl of Pass Christian, Miss., Danine Crankshaw of Waterford, Mich., Laurie Keefe of Ashburn, Va., Chris Keefe and wife Kendra of Stedman, N.Y., and Michael Keefe and wife, Cindy of Stedman, N.Y.; 12 grandchildren: Megan Lea, Alex Nielsen, Joshua and Nathan Crankshaw, Erin Meadows, Travis Harrison, Brendon, Kylie, Breanna and Kase Keefe, and Colin and Saige Keefe)’ four great- grandchildren; and four siblings: Vicki Acquisto, Sue Nelson, Sherry Fitzgerald and Tim Keefe.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sally Blakeslee.

At Don’s request there will be no public services observed. A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.