Elmer O'Connell Jr.

elmer o'connell jr.
Elmer Leo O'Connell Jr. age 79 of Fredericksburg, died Monday afternoon, May 13, 2013, at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013, at the Peace United Church of Christ, Fredericksburg with Pastor Burt Williams officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg with Ronald Schutte, Steve Crowe, Ben Crowe, Nicholas Schutte, Jonathan Schutte, Andy Pett, Tom Milewsky and Dan Milewsky serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Sam Milewsky and Matt Crowe. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at the Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Elmer Leo O’Connell was born July 13, 1933, in Fredericksburg, IA, the son of Elmer Leo and Opal Elisabeth (Grahlman) O’Connell Sr. He received his education in rural country schools and was a great help to his parents on the farm in his youth. In May of 1955, while at the former Main-Diner Restaurant, in New Hampton, he met Karen Ruth Kelleher who was working there. The couple married on November 5, 1955, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union five daughters were born. Elmer and Karen initially farmed northeast of New Hampton until 1963 and then moved to a farm southwest of Fredericksburg where they farmed another 38 years retiring into the town of Fredericksburg in 2005. Due to his health, Elmer became a resident of the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City in 2005. Elmer was a farmer-at-heart, choosing to work on the farm rather than most any other activity. He did spend some time hunting and fishing, playing cards and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, but his main interest remained on the farm. He enjoyed walking in his fields and working the ground, doing everything the hard way. He also loved any time he was able to spend with his family, especially the grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Karen; five daughters, Pamela (Ronald) Schutte of Fredericksburg, Christine (Steve) Crowe of Lucas, TX, Carol Pett of Waverly, Barbara O’Connell of Fredericksburg, Elaine (Dan) Milewsky of Watertown, WI; nine grandchildren, Heather (Steve) Fred, Nicholas (Staci) Schutte, Jonathan Schutte, Matthew Crowe, Benjamin Crowe, Andy (Michelle) Pett, Amanda Pett, Samuel Milewsky, Thomas O’Connell Milewsky; two great-grandchildren, Colleen Schutte, Michael Fred. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Keith O’Connell and Kenneth O’Connell; two sisters, Joyce Kinsey and Marilyn Gitch.

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  1. May Elmer Leo O’Connell Jr. RIP, ‘…Everything he has made pretty in its time. Even time indefinite he has put in their heart… I have come to know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good during one’s life; and also that every man should eat and indeed drink and see good for all his hard work. It is the gift of God.’Ecclesiastes 3:10-13′ The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, … to a resurrection of life.’ John 5:28,29

  2. Barb and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in the sharing of your memories. Barb and I were just talking about are Dads being at the nursing home in CC. We know that we will see them again someday because of Jesus and his promises. With Sympathy, Ric and Marlene Sowers

  3. Thank you, Marlene. Barb doesn’t have internet, but I’ll be sure to give her your condolences.

  4. Barb and family, Sorry to hear of your father’s death. It is always difficult when a loved one passes away, but we are comforted by knowing they are enjoying eternal life with our Savior. Joe and Sharon Haskovec

  5. Aunt Karen and Cousin’s, You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Uncle Elmer was a true gentleman who never had a crossword for those two boys (Dan and myself) that were chasing chickens and generally getting into mischief on his farm or Grandpa’s. When we there he would let us help with the chores, but I think we were more of a hinderance than any kind of help, but he didn’t seem to mind. I think that was the true measure of his character. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.. May God Bless You Ron O’Connell

  6. Uncle Elmer – I remember going into the barn during milkin’ time and getting squirted with milk, just like the cats, think it was a gentle way of letting us know that we ( as young visitors) should probably play outside. I also remember getting pulled around in the winter by a tractor while sitting on an old car hood in tow. Seemed that we played a little softball during our visits to the farm also. Let the good Lord hold you in his arms now and give you rest. So long for now uncle.

  7. Chris – Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your mom and family. May all the great memories with your dad bring you all comfort. Love, Greg & Veronica


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