Gary O'Connell

Gary Francis O’Connell, 75, of Mondovi, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, at his home.
He was born on April 9, 1943, in Goodhue County Minnesota, the son of Francis G. and Mazie Marie (Keifer) O’Connell. Gary was united in marriage to Patricia “Patty” Odegard at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Menomonie, on Nov. 27, 1965.
Gary had worked for Fehr Concrete in Eau Claire for 28 years. Later, he began as a laborer with the Local #317 Union, working in various aspects of concrete construction from helping build Oakwood Mall and the Dog Track in Hudson, to assisting with many bridges and dams along the Mississippi. When he retired from the Local #317, he pursued his love of horses, especially horse pulls. Gary also enjoyed working on his lawnmowers, trucks and bicycles. Any chance he could, Gary stopped by every thrift sale he could find. Gary treasured his time at the White Pig Tavern, in Mondovi, watching Gun Smoke on the TV. He was a member of both the Trail Dusters and Midnight Riders of Mondovi, as well as the 4-H group. Gary never met a stranger he couldn’t talk with. He was always running into people he knew and cherished the time that they were able to chat.
Gary is survived by his five children, Lisa Jo (Jon) Miller of Eleva, Billie Jo (Roger) Fedie of Eleva, Christopher (Rosemary) O’Connell of Mondovi, Tracy Jo (Tim) Schiefelbein of Strum, Mindy Jo Crawford (Mike Linberg) of Modena; 11 grandchildren, Jacob Miller, Dillon and Derek Fedie, Karissa Jo O’Connell, Quinton and Connor Schiefelbein, Dakota and Cheyenne Jo Crawford, and Tessa Jo, Steven and Brianna Linberg; great-grandson, Carter Miller; siblings, Paul (Penny) of Clear Lake, Peggy Carlson of Woodville, Dan (Joan) of Boyceville, Dave of Menomonie, Donna (Jeff) Pittman of Clear Lake, Elizabeth (Joel) Bengtson of Amery; brothers and sisters-in-law, Marjorie Rice, Stewart “Lenny” (Sadie) Odegard, Lana Odegard, Cliff Buchholz, Jean (Jim) Bauer, John Odegard, Gerald “Jerry” (Mary) Odegard; many other beloved family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Mazie O’Connell; wife, Patty; sister, Mary Lou Stratton; sisters-in-law, Carmen Odegard, Audrey Passe; brothers-in-law, Alvin “Sandy” Odegard, Scott Raymond, Gene Rice.
A funeral service was held at Talbot Family Funeral Homes, Mondovi Chapel, on Monday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. Cremation rites were accorded and Gary was interred at 3:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. A visitation was held at Talbot Family Funeral Homes, Mondovi Chapel, on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 5 p.m., and then again on Monday at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Please share your memories and condolences online at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com.
Gary’s children would like to extend a heartfelt and sincere “thank you” to all of dad’s caregivers.