Jeffrey Nall Obituary

Jeffrey Alan Nall was born October 1, 1948, in Kansas to Jack and Irene Stevenson Nall and died on October 31, 2025. Jeff, age 77, grew up in New Jersey and went to Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology, history, and religion. He made Iowa his primary home for the rest of his life, with his Florida home being close to his heart.

Jeff spent his career in public service, working in employment and training programs where he served disadvantaged youth and adults and people with disabilities. He was a field administrator for the state of Iowa, overseeing job training offices throughout the state. He was the Iowa liaison with the National Governor's Association, the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Conference of State Legislators, and others. He co-led a three-year project for the US State Department in Nigeria, Africa.

It was through his work that he met his wife, Mary O'Keefe, and they were married in 1985. The family was complete with the birth of their son, Michael Nall. Jeff was a voracious reader, early adopter of computers, he loved travel and antiquities and was a lifelong learner. Jeff was a social, civic, and human rights activist and followed politics closely.

He was kind, honest, brilliant, patient and loving. He laughed deeply and often. Jeff made the world a better place and when you were his friend, he was loyal and cared for you for life. His Saturday lunch crowd were chosen brothers and sisters. Jeff is now at peace, after a long illness. And he is now reunited with his beloved son, Michael.

Jeff was preceded in death by his son, Michael Nall, his parents, Jack and Irene Stevenson Nall, his parents-in-law, Bill and Celeste O'Keefe, his brother-in-law, Danny O'Keefe, and his grandparents.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of more than 40 years, Mary O'Keefe; his sister, Nancy (Tom) York; his sisters and brothers-in-law: Kathleen (Noel) Cusick, Fr. Mike O'Keefe, Diane (Dan) Kaschak, Pat (Cass) O'Keefe, Celeste O'Keefe (John Madormo), Terri (Bill) Murray, Beth (David) Sanchez, Tom (Kathy) O'Keefe, Don (Cathy) O'Keefe; and 24 nieces and nephews and their families, including Kim York (Eric Phelan) and Dustin York (Jenn Chu). He also leaves many friends with cherished memories.

Mary gives special thanks to Unity Point and Taylor House Hospice. Donations to honor Jeff's memory may be made to the Food Bank of Iowa (foodbankiowa.org) or a charity of your choice.

Jeff will be honored on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at a graveside memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at Glendale Cemetery (4909 University Ave, Des Moines,) followed by a celebration of his life at 4:30 p.m. at the Rollins Mansion, 2801 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa. A program will take place during the celebration of life at 5:30 p.m. The livestream of the graveside and program can both be found on Jeff's page at Ilescares.com

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