Charles “Chuck: O’Connell, age 95, of River Falls, Wis., died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in River Falls. Chuck was born July 13, 1929, in Elmwood, Wis., the son of Charles and Grace (Hendrickson) O’Connell. He was raised in Hammond Township, where he attended elementary school before graduating from Baldwin High School in the class of 1947. He attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls for a short time before enlisting in the Armed Forces, where he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He worked his way up the ranks to 2nd Lieutenant before being honorably discharged.
While in the service Chuck met and married the love of his life, Glady’s Turner. On June 13, 1952, they were united in marriage at Immaculate Conception Church in Montclair, New Jersey. While in the service, Chuck trained and served as a Radio Communications Officer. After service, Chuck went to work for New Jersey Bell Telephone, moved to East Brunswick, NJ, where he and Glady’s started their family bringing four children into the world: Charles, Cynthia, Carl, and Curt. Chuck was transferred to Northwestern Bell Telephone in St. Paul, Minn. and moved his family to River Falls, Wis. He spent 30 years as an engineer for AT&T, retired, then worked to bring Cable TV to the River Falls area before finally doing contract work for Finley Engineering out of Eau Claire, Wis.
Chuck loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He was an avid golfer and a member of the River Falls Golf Club’s ”Masters” Club. He loved bowling, and as a college student, he helped set pins at Bud’s Lanes in River Falls, later creating great memories as part of a men’s league there. A devoted fan of the Green and Gold, he rarely missed watching their games. He also took pride in being part of the “Chain Gang: for University of Wisconsin football games. An athlete in his youth, he played baseball and later softball for the local “Old Timers” team. One of his claims to fame is facing New York legend Whitey Ford in baseball; although he didn’t get a hit, he didn’t strike out either! This passion led him to coach his sons for the Little League Stars of Tomorrow and Legion baseball teams. He was a past active member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and served as an usher. In addition, Chuck served on the River Falls School Board, and was involved with the River Falls American Legion Post, where he always looked forward to the chicken fries. He also had an appreciation for music and found joy in playing his harmonica and accordion. Above all, Chuck loved being surrounded by those he cared about. A stranger to him was simply a friend he hadn’t met yet. Chuck was known for his storytelling, particularly his well-known version of “Rindercella.”
Chuck will forever remain in the hearts of his children: Charles “Buddy” (Joy) O’Connell of Cary, NC; Cynthia “Cindy” (Roger) Revak of River Falls, Wis.; Carl “Rich” (Michele) O’Connell of Camarillo, Calif.; and Curt “Randy” (Judy) O’Connell of Surprise, Ariz. He is also survived by grandchildren Amy (Brian) Ostrowski, Kevin (Michelle) O’Connell, Sandra Tiedke, Alissa (Joe) Gullo, Madeline O’Connell, Bridget O’Connell, Meghan O’Connell, and Ashley (Reid) Whitney; great-grandchildren Brayden, Eason, Camden, Finnley, Zoey, Giada, Brielle, and Vienna; siblings Mike (Judy) O’Connell, Frances (Nita) O’Connell, Rosalie (Dick) Newton, and Mary Catherine Anderson; brother-in-law Ron Thompson; sister-in-law Judy O’Connell; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Chuck is preceded in death by his wife Gladys in 2016; grandson Scott Tiedke; and siblings Peggy (Bernard) Kinney, Tom (Rosie) O’Connell, Suzie Thompson, Patrick O’Connell, and Richard O’Connell.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls. Visitation was two hours prior to the Mass at the church, from 9-11 a.m.. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Full military honors were provided by the River Falls American Legion Post 121.
Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of River Falls. For more information, visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.
