Obituaries
Mark O'Connell
August 01, 1960 - April 21, 2024
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Obituary For Mark O'Connell
Cottage Grove - Mark O’Connell of Cottage Grove lost his battle with mental health on Sunday, April 21, 2024. He was a son of the late Mike O’Connell Sr. and Nancy (Lessner) O’Connell of Cottage Grove.
Mark graduated from LaFollette High School in 1979 and then attended Madison Area Technical College where he earned an associate degree in Commercial Art. Mark worked for Frito Lay followed by Frank Beer for 18 years until moving into real estate at the First Weber Group. He played a pivotal role in launching Trixie’s liquor and was a steadfast supporter as a property owner. In the nature of keeping busy, he also worked for FedEx. As a social creature, Mark found joy in driving for Gallant Knight limousine service. Mark gave his time as the first president of the Optimist Club in Cottage Grove. He always enjoyed meeting new people.
Mark is survived by his mother, Nancy O’Connell, his wife, Terri Nelson Page, and daughters from his first marriage, Colleen Welch (O’Connell) (Chris Welch) of McFarland, Megan Sanchez (O’Connell) (Drew Sanchez) of High Point, N.C. and stepsons Josh Page (Jillian) and Jake Page (Courtney) of Madison. He is further survived by his siblings Mike O’Connell, Jr. of Albany, Kelly (Brad Harnisch) of Cottage Grove, and Tim O’Connell (Brenda Fenske) of Marshall, and his first wife, Nancy Koberle. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren who loved him dearly, Noah and Alexander Welch, Dani Sanchez, and Lennon and Ivy Page. He will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Kristen O’Connell, his father Mike O’Connell Sr., and his nephew Aaron Steiner.
Mark enjoyed animals, especially his mother’s dogs, grand dogs, cats, and bunnies that included Ruby, Raven, Dudley, Boomer, Bane, Luna, “The late Waylon”, Chip, Zella, Big Guy, Lily, and Aspen.
Arrangements are being handled by Ryan Funeral Home, Madison. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Journey Mental Health at https://www.journeymhc.org/join-us/donate. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 4th from 1:00pm - 5:00pm at TPC Wisconsin (Cherokee Country Club), 5000 N Sherman Ave, Madison, with a Memorial Tribute to be held at 3:00pm. All those attending are encouraged to wear orange attire in memory of Mark.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257
Services
Celebration of Life
01:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Memorial Service
03:00 PM
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Condolences
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April 29, 2024
Dear Tim and Kelly and all of the Family, I am so sorry to hear about Mark. I am thinking of all of you and wishing you the blessings of God's healing hands. Romni
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April 28, 2024
I worked with Mark at Fedex, and by his side every AM, as the three of us, (including Jen), scanned the packages passing us by....We shared much about our lives, simple and complex. We laughed, listened to music, teased each other, and looked forward to his daily joke! I will greatly miss those daily hours, and his sometimes sassy and spicy comments....I, and many others at Fedex, will miss his wonderful smile and playfulness....To his family and friends, I wish you much peace and comfort, as you process and heal through this difficult time! Mark was a gem, and I shall always smile at all the "orange" things that cross my path, in the future! Allyson Wingate
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April 27, 2024
Mark was a very determined man when I met in recovery in 2015. He is one of the reasons why I am still alive today. He helped me immensely on my journey in recovery. I will truly miss him. I will always be eternally grateful for him. 🧎➡️
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April 26, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear about Mark's passing. I remember Mark from my days at Frank Beer. I always looked forward to his joke of the day and his warm friendly smile. He was such a great guy! Dee Breunig
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April 26, 2024
Rest In Peace my friend
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April 26, 2024
Mark has always been a part of my life. He was at our house growing up, hanging with my brother. When my brother left for the Navy, Mark still came by often to check in on my mom. I'm so sorry for this loss.
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April 26, 2024
Mark was a big part of my everyday life at Frank Beer. We worked there together for years. (He always had great jokes.) I regret I cannot attend the Celebration of Life. I'd like to be there. I'll be there in thought. My sincere sympathies to the whole family. Such a difficult time. Jenny Larsen
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April 25, 2024
You made so many people including me laugh and smile. Share the stories and memories. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
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Beautiful Dreams was sent for Mark O'Connell - May 02, 2024
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