Robert 'Bob' O'Connell, 88

Robert Matthew “Bob” O'Connell, age 88, of Stillwater, died peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Stillwater.

Bob was born on March 20, 1923, in Hudson, the son of Joseph and Margaret (Grace) O'Connell. He was raised in Hudson where he attended school prior to enlisting in the National Guard and Army. He served during World War II and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. In 1947, he was united in marriage to Ella Barnholdt in Stillwater.

Bob was an avid golfer who thoroughly enjoyed the day on the course with good friends or family. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins fan. Earlier, he enjoyed playing a game of bridge and swimming. Recently, he enjoyed wintering with his wife down south in Gulf Shores.

Bob will remain in the hearts of his children Kathryn O'Connell, Robert C. (Candace) O'Connell, Timothy O'Connell, Kerri (Jim) O'Connell-Adami, Linda (Pat) O'Donnell; grandchildren, Ryan (Natasha), Tim (Chelsey), Trisha, Erin (Josh), Abby, Troy (Michelle), Scott, Christy (Aaron), Ben, Jake, Sam, Tony; step-grandchildren, Kaeleigh, Shaina, Alex; several great-grandchildren; brother Thomas (Janet) O'Connell; sister, Margaret “Peg” Schullo; sister-in-law Ruthie (Kelly) Brookman; brother-in-law Don (Janet) Barnholdt.

He was preceded in death by his best friend/wife, Ella; beloved daughter Patty Carlen; daughter-in-law Trudy O'Connell; brother Donald O'Connell; brothers/sisters-in-law Helen O'Connell, George Schullo.

Mass of Christian Burial for Bob was 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Stillwater. Burial was in the St. Patrick's Cemetery in Hudson with his grandchildren serving as active casketbearers and great-grandchildren as honorary casketbearers. Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson as well as 1 hour prior to the Mass at church.

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