Baby Joseph Keating

It is with heavy but peaceful hearts that we share the passing of our son, Joseph Matthew Keating. We celebrate with joy and gratitude the gift of his short life with us and rejoice knowing he has started his eternal life in heaven.

Joseph knew nothing but pure maternal love during the 38 weeks he lived and grew in Katelyn's womb. He spent those days doing the things his family loves: Walks with Mom and Grandma, golfing with Dad and Papa, spending time with relatives and best friends, and singing, dancing, and giggling to good music in the living room with big sister Eleanor. He helped us build our first home, celebrated Eleanor's first birthday, splashed in a pool (in his own way), attended a concert, and cheered on Team USA during family vacation. Joey even got to help Mom love and care for her patients at Mercy Hospital. He joined us for countless hours of prayer in Mass and at home. Joseph was the perfect companion. A perfect son. The perfect gift.

Since the day of our wedding, Katelyn and I have prayed every day that God would help us to create and raise a family of Saints. Joseph's life and birth into heaven is God's perfect answer to this prayer; He gave us everything we asked for and more. We consider ourselves most privileged, honored, and blessed to have a son, a perfect little saint, praying for us and interceding for us in heaven.

Joseph is joyfully survived by his loving parents, Katelyn (Hagenbucher) & Bryan Keating; sister, Eleanor Keating; grandparents, Jim & Pam Hagenbucher, and Kevin & Lori Keating; and many loving great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

To honor Joseph, a Visitation will be held on Monday, April 20 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines, IA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with a Graveside Service at Glendale Cemetery at 11:15 AM.

A special note: We will be wearing clothes with a more joyful color palette (not black) to reflect our lighter disposition towards Joseph's birth into heaven, and we invite guests to consider doing likewise.