Obit: O’Connell, John (1852 – 1940)

Contact: betty@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: O’Connell, Sweeney, Neuenfeldt

----Source: Scrapbook of Bertha and Caroline (Wehrmann) Volk 1930-1950’s

O’Connell, John (11 JUN 1852 – 21 AUG 1940)

John O’Connell, son of Dennis and Bridget Sweeney O’Connell was born in Fox Lake, Wisconsin, June 11, 1852, and passed away at his home in Greenwood, August 21, 1940 having reached the age of 88 years, two months and ten days. He had been in failing health for about a year, but was up and around until a week before his death.

On May 15, 1883 he was united in marriage to Mary Isabel Hillier at Fox Lake and to this union were born three daughters, Miss Irene at home, Mrs. W.F. (Mabel) Neuenfeldt of Greenwood and Genevieve who passed away at the age of ten months. Mrs. O’Connell passed away April 18, 1908.
In the spring of 1880 he went to work as a telegrapher for the Wisconsin Central, now the Soo Line, at Neenah. In 1883 he began work for the Chicago and North Western Railroad at Humbird later going to Warrens. He also held the position of Telegrapher and agent at Jordan Minn., Strum, Eleva, Mondovi and Marshfield where he was stationed from 1908 until 1922, when he was pensioned at the age of 70.

He then moved to Greenwood and purchased half interest in the Greenwood Gleaner and has resided here ever since.

He was a staunch member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Holy Name Society of Greenwood and Knights of Columbus of Marshfield.

He is survived by his two daughters, his son-in-law, Wm. F. Neuenfeldt, four grandsons, Charles, Albert, James and Gerald Neuenfeldt and great grandson, John Charles Neuenfeldt and grand daughter-in-law Mrs. Charles Neuenfeldt and a host of friends.