OREGON – Michael Robert O’Connell, of Oregon, passed away after a long illness Thursday April 22, 2021. Born Feb. 24, 1953 to parents Kathryn (Minehan) and Robert O’Connell in Evanston. He spent his primary years in Des Plaines, then moved to Oregon in high school.
Mike was a graduate of Sauk Valley College and attended Illinois State University. He was employed as a restaurant manager for many years then employed by HA International in Oregon till his early retirement. Mike was a member of the Mt Morris Moose, Checker Car Club, and Lee County Irish Heritage Society. He spent many hours working on his 81 Checker Marathon.
Mike loved watching Da Bears, birthing of spring calves, elaborate home fireworks. Mike spent many hour reading while the radio played and always with a beloved dog at his feet.
Mike is survived by his wife of 35 years Bonnie (Bettner) O'Connell, children Amanda (Steven) McCracken, Dixon, Jennifer Cowden, Lafayette, Colo., Jennifer (Scott) Brown, Dixon, Sedoris John Ferguson, Los Angeles, Calif.; grandchildren Kaitlyn Oliver, Ridley McCracken, Austin Portner, Andrew McCracken and Aidan Brown. He is also survived by his brother John (Linda) O’Connell, Lafayette, Ind., sister Roberta (Jeff) Hedrich, North Aurora. They also opened their hearts to Jeanine Fuller, Jenee’ Jeanblanc, and Joseph Manis to live on “The Farm” assisting them to adulthood.
Private family Mass of Christian Burial was held at St Mary Catholic Church in Oregon on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 11 a.m. Family and Friends were invited to the farm for lunch following Mass. Public visitation was Friday April 30, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to Heritage Square in Dixon. Online condolences can be sent at www.thejonesfh.com.
