THOMAS J. O’CONNELL SR.

Thomas J. “Tom” O’Connell Sr., age 85 of Sidney, NE passed away at the Sidney Regional Medical Center, Friday, October 4, 2013.
Rosary Services will be at 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 9th with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M., Thursday morning, October 10th. Both services will be in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Art Faesser officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery. Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Wednesday from 1-5:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Tom’s name to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or Sidney Regional Medical Center Hospice.
You may view Tom’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.
Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Tom’s care and funeral arrangements.
Thomas Joseph O'Connell was born March 23, 1928 in Omaha, NE, son of Thomas B. and Julia M. (Ptak) O'Connell. He was raised in Sidney. Attended St. Patrick's School and graduated from Sidney High School in 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific, with honorable discharge from active duty in 1948 and from reserved duty in 1950. He moved back to Sidney to begin a 50 year long career in farming and ranching. On Feb. 11, 1950, he married Joan M. Stack in North Platte, NE. Together they raised eight children. Tom and Joan loved traveling to watch many sporting events and activities throughout the years that their eight children and many grandchildren were involved in. Tom was a member of Knights of Columbus, American Legion Baseball committee and coached many little league teams. Tom liked playing golf, hunting and a good game of bridge or pitch. Tom enjoyed his travels to Hawaii, Ireland, Rome, Las Vegas and cruises through the Panama Canal and Alaskan coastline. Tom's faith was always a support for him during times of trial.
He is survived by his daughters: Margaret (Ronald) Wiese of Littleton, CO, Catherine (Richard) Flores of Kimball, NE. Daughter-in-Law: Nancy O'Connell of Sidney, NE. Sons: Thomas Jr. (Peggy) of Sidney, NE, Jeffery (Meegan) of Greeley, CO, Timothy of Sidney,NE, Christopher(Sandra) of Omaha, NE, Douglas(Tina) of Eaton, CO. (18) Grandchildren: Jason, Todd, Sean, Cortni, Lani, Jenna, Michael, Kelly, Casey, Shane, Delainey, McKenzie, Cutter, Kelsey, Ryan, Logan, Brolin, Grady and 11 great-grandchildren.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas B. (1940) and Julia M. (1984) O'Connell, wife Joan (1995), wife Fran (2012) and son John (2011).
P.S. He loved his tootsie pops!