Thomas David O'Connell

  Research Notes:

Thomas David Oconnell
United States Social Security Death Index
Age 71
Given Name Thomas
Middle Name David
Surname Oconnell
Birth Date 13 Dec 1939
State Minnesota
Last Place of Residence Le sueur, Le sueur, Minnesota
Previous Residence Postal Code 56058
Event Date 01 Jan 2010

Birth: Dec. 13, 1939, USA
Death: Jan. 1, 2010
Le Sueur County
Minnesota, USA

OBITUARY provided by: Patrick Mahowald

Business leader and entrepreneur, Thomas O'Connell, 70 died of cancer on Jan. 1, 2010 at his home. For decades he was the driving force at St. Thomas-based O'Connell Oil, Inc., a family-owned and run company that distributed propane, fuel oil and fertilizer in south central Minnesota. He held the title of President, but the company has been run for the past year by his three sons, Patrick, Michael and Brandon. He died of complications related to his cancer. He lived his entire life in St. Thomas, a small community one hour south of the Twin Cities. He was the oldest child of three born to James and Agatha O'Connell on Dec. 13, 1939. He had a passion for living life to the fullest. He spent his days analyzing and researching opportunities while always having time to help others. But above all else, Thomas O'Connell was a businessman.

"Throughout his final days he was more concerned about those around him than himself. That same characteristic, putting others first, is no doubt what has made him a successful businessman and the dependable patriarch of the O'Connell family," said Paul Toman, son-in-law. Those who knew O'Connell credit his success to his work ethic, strong sense of family, ability to focus and adaptability.

With a high school education, O'Connell had the vision that many highly educated business professionals could only dream of. He was an entrepreneur at an early age working at his father's general store selling everything from gas for cars to groceries. In addition, he made extra money with his brother, Richard by selling muskrat skins. Learning a strong work ethic from his parents, O'Connell partnered with his brother Richard in 1960 to start O'Connell Oil. Thomas focused on managing the business and Richard focused on the day to day operations. O'Connell Oil has expanded over the years to also include farming 1,000 acres of soy beans and corn. O'Connell was the president of the Minnesota Propane Association in the early 1980s. He purchased one of the first propane powered cars manufactured by Ford. In the early 1970s his friends Allen Easterlund and Jim Stege came to Tom with an investment opportunity to start the new Le Sueur State Bank. Today the bank has expanded to 5 locations under the leadership of Bruce Olness. He served on the board of directors until his death. He joined the U. S. Army in 1957. He was stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served as chairman of the St. Thomas Cemetery Association for many years and was the Justice of the Peace in the 1970s performing numerous marriage ceremonies. Tom married Sharon Matejcek in 1960. Sharon managed the household and raised their seven children. O'Connell's strong sense of family focused on providing for his children. He wanted to make sure they all had the opportunities to be successful in life. Three of his four sons currently manage the family business. His fourth son is a controller for a business in the Twin Cities. One of his daughters works for the Le Sueur State Bank. His other two daughters live in Arizona, not far from his winter home in Mesa, Ariz.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sharon; Sons, Patrick (Rita), Michael (Paula) O'Connell of St. Thomas, Daniel (Julie) O'Connell of Belle Plaine and Brandon (Gina) O'Connell of New Prague; Daughters, Michelle (Kirk) Hale of Le Sueur, Debra O'Connell and Shannon (Paul) Toman of Fountain Hills, Ariz. Nine grandchildren; Brother Richard (Carol) O'Connell of St. Thomas and Sister, Mary Ellen Morris.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Jan. 4, at St. Thomas Catholic Church at St. Thomas.

Tom's generosity, strong faith and drive will be remembered by all who knew him.
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(More notes on Tom's family and the O'Connell Store, under his father, James J O'Connell's memorial)
Contributed by: P.Mahowald





Family links:
Parents:
James J O'Connell (1913 - 1967)
Agatha Brown O'Connell (1908 - 1960)


Inscription:
Tom and Sharon
Married Sept 3, 1960
Parents of Michelle, Debra, Patrick, Michael, Shannon, Daniel, Brandon

Burial:
Saint Thomas Cemetery
Saint Thomas
Le Sueur County
Minnesota, USA
Plot: East

Created by: Patrick Mahowald
Record added: Feb 10, 2013
Find A Grave Memorial# 104917509