Thomas Patrick O'Connell

Thomas Patrick O’Connell, age 70, passed away on April 6, 2026. He was born on May 16, 1955, in Marshall, Minnesota, to Richard and Edith “Bubbles” O’Connell.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Susan O’Connell (née Kelley); his children, Sean (Suzanne) O’Connell, Shannon (Nick) Sweek, and Travis O’Connell; and his cherished granddaughters, Scarlett and Violet Sweek. He is also survived by his sisters, Peggy (Bill) Roush, Betsy (Ray) Kasenga, and Mickey (Bruce) Erickson, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends, including Afifa Ahmady, whom Tom and Sue helped immigrate to the United States from Afghanistan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard “Dick Jr.” and Edith “Bubbles” O’Connell, and his brother, Richard “Dick” O’Connell III.

Tom graduated from Marshall High School in 1973 and from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1977. He served as an Armor Officer and Airborne Ranger, often saying, “Rangers Lead the Way!”

He married Susan Kelley, an Army nurse, on August 11, 1979, in Hinesville, Georgia. They were stationed together in Schwabach, Germany, where Tom served in the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment and where they started their family. Tom and Sue shared 46 years of faithful marriage, building a life centered on love, commitment, and family.

After the Army, Tom built a career in business, working for FMC, Honeywell, Eaton/Cutler Hammer, and Avery Weigh-Tronix before finishing as President and CEO of Snyder Industries in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was respected for his leadership, integrity, and his knowing appreciation of the office satire found in Dilbert cartoons.

Tom had a lifelong interest in history and could recount the Battle of Waterloo in detail. He enjoyed reading historical fiction, especially books by Bernard Cornwell. He followed Notre Dame football and Nebraska women’s volleyball and, after years as a Vikings fan, became a reluctant Packers fan, which fit well in a house full of green and gold supporters.

On a green note, he also had a couple of favorite “green” toys, a Lime Rock Green Chevrolet Corvette and a very large John Deere snow thrower, both of which he put to good use. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, a good glass of red wine or Jack Daniel’s, and time on the pontoon.

Tom was a man of faith and devoted much of his life to serving the Catholic Church, contributing his time and leadership on numerous boards and committees.

In January 2025, Tom suffered a stroke that significantly limited his mobility. Yet even in the face of these challenges, he demonstrated resilience and determination, finding renewed energy at Three Pillars Senior Living in Dousman, Wisconsin, where he faithfully pursued ongoing physical therapy. The family extends special thanks to Joel Kennedy for his dedication, encouragement, and care.

More than anything, Tom loved his family. Time together meant everything to him, whether on vacation or simply going out to dinner. In a gift that will not be forgotten, Tom was able to spend Easter Sunday with his immediate family the day before his passing, a reflection of the very thing he treasured most.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom’s name may be directed to St. Jerome Catholic Church, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, or Chesterton Academy, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Visitation will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Oconomowoc on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 9:30a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.