Michael O'Connell Obituary (1941 - 2023)

"Mike" O'Connell passed on to eternal life on March 4 2023 at the age of 81years after a long illness.He was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin and was the only child of Joseph D and Eva(Cook) O'Connell. Mike was educated in the Catholic School System of Waukesha,graduating from Catholic Memorial High School in 1959 . He served as seniorclass president, noting that "someone had to do it".He went on to the University of Notre Dame (Class of 1963) where he received hisBA. While at ND he played 4 years in the percussion section of the Notre DameMarching Band.Upon graduation, he entered the US Navy Reserve and was stationed at Newport,Rhode Island on the USS Grand Canyon during the Vietnam Conflict. It was therethat he met a young nurse, Peg Lough who became his wife and partner for thenext 58 years.Following active duty, Mike began his career as an insurance claims adjuster. Thisbrought Mike and Peg to Georgia, Maryland, and New Jersey before beingassigned to Milwaukee in 1975. They built their home in Waukesha and raisedtheir 2 children.Mike enjoyed playing sports from an early age...baseball, softball, basketball andfootball. As he aged golf became his sport. He traveled all over the US, Scotlandand Ireland playing golf. When not playing sports, he was watching or talkingsports with whomever would listen! He instilled the love of sports in his children.He was very proud of their accomplishments. He loved God, his family, booksand... jelly beansHe proudly followed his beloved Wisconsin sports teams (Packers, Bucks, Brewersand Badgers) as well as his alma mater's teams THE FIGHTING IRISH.Mike retired as Senior Vice President-Claims from Old Republic Risk Managementin 2005. Retirement brought Mike and Peg to Oro Valley Arizona where golf andsunshine beat out the snowy, cold Midwest.Mike is survived by Margaret "Peg" (LOUGH) his wife of 58 years , son Timothy("Tim") O'Connell and daughter-in-law Mary of Delafield Wisconsin and hisdaughter Kathleen ("Katie") O'Connell Marsh and son in law Stephen Marsh of LosAngeles California and Williamsburg Virginia.He is further survived by his beloved grandchildren Abigail ("Abby") O'Connell andLeodoro ("Leo") Marsh.He was loved by all.He was the wind beneath the wings of his family. He will be missed dearly.A Memorial Service will be held at Santa Catalina Catholic Church, 14380 N OracleRoad, Tucson Arizona on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11 am.Burial will be private.If desired, memorial donations may be given to charities which Mike supported.CASA MARIA SOUP KITCHEN Sister Jose Women's Shelter (Homeless )401 E 26 th St 1028 S Park AveTucson Az 85713 Tucson Az 85719 There are no gallery images.