Obituary for Gordon Eugene "Gene" O'Neil
Gordon Eugene O’Neil, “Gene.”
Age 90, of Minneapolis, passed away April 7th, 2020. He will be remembered for his positive
outlook, devout Catholic faith, and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
Gene was born February 1, 1930, to Gordon and Gladys O’Neil, growing up in Faribault, MN,
joining his older brother John, “Jack,” for an idyllic childhood in the small town. After graduating
from Saint Thomas College, he considered becoming a priest and attended the seminary for a
year but realized he wanted to experience the joy of having a family. He also served in the Navy
during the Korean War. He worked at Catholic Charities before joining Careers Employment
Agency where he met Judy, his future wife, and mother of his five children. He also worked at
Honeywell Aero Division and Tonka Toys. In 1972, he joined Midwest Special Services as
President, growing the small organization in St. Paul into a provider of needed services for
persons with disabilities throughout the greater Twin Cities. He retired in 2000. In addition to his
contributions working for a non-profit and serving his country, he volunteered at his church and
with Loaves and Fishes.
His family was the joy and pride of his life. He made family outings a priority with hikes, picnics,
sledding, ice skating, going to the beach to swim or playing tennis. Canoeing down the St. Croix
River was another favorite. He was an expert in finding scenic roads “off the beaten path” in the
countryside. Always game for a Sunday drive any day of the week in his red convertible, Gene
preferred the top down, blasting Patsy Cline music with a stop to enjoy lunch. He loved to be
active--jogging around Lake Harriet and playing handball at Calhoun Beach Club into his
eighties.
Gene was proud of his Irish heritage and St. Patrick's Day was a favorite day. He often attended
the parade and hosted his own party where he always sang, “Oh Danny Boy.” After retirement,
he found he enjoyed writing poetry and a lucky few have a poem written for them.
An eternal optimist, Gene always saw the glass more than half full. The house was never dirty,
his health was always fine, and every day was sunny. After a pessimistic conversation with his
Doctor less than a month ago, Gene proclaimed, “You know, I think the Doctor was just having
a bad day. He was so positive at my last appointment, I feel fine, let’s have a beer!”
When visiting, he always asked a pertinent question for you and your interests, always curious
about your opinion. His door was ever open, there was no need to call, and he was always
happy to see you--offering a chair and a glass. This gentle and humble spirit will be deeply
missed.
He is survived by his children, Stephen O’Neil (Tamrah), Patrick O’Neil (Daniel Sihocky), Annie
Wobbeking (Brian), Colleen O’Neil (Jeffry Taylor), and Daniel O’Neil; Judy, the mother of his children.
Grandchildren, Kincaid, Abbriella, Mercedes, Xavier (Stephen and Tamrah) Grace, Natalie (Daniel O’Neil);
brother, Jack O’Neil (Kate) and family.
Private Mass of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of Grace and Interment St. Mary's Cemetery.
Memorial preferences to Midwest Special Services (MSS) St.Paul.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088
Age 90, of Minneapolis, passed away April 7th, 2020. He will be remembered for his positive
outlook, devout Catholic faith, and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
Gene was born February 1, 1930, to Gordon and Gladys O’Neil, growing up in Faribault, MN,
joining his older brother John, “Jack,” for an idyllic childhood in the small town. After graduating
from Saint Thomas College, he considered becoming a priest and attended the seminary for a
year but realized he wanted to experience the joy of having a family. He also served in the Navy
during the Korean War. He worked at Catholic Charities before joining Careers Employment
Agency where he met Judy, his future wife, and mother of his five children. He also worked at
Honeywell Aero Division and Tonka Toys. In 1972, he joined Midwest Special Services as
President, growing the small organization in St. Paul into a provider of needed services for
persons with disabilities throughout the greater Twin Cities. He retired in 2000. In addition to his
contributions working for a non-profit and serving his country, he volunteered at his church and
with Loaves and Fishes.
His family was the joy and pride of his life. He made family outings a priority with hikes, picnics,
sledding, ice skating, going to the beach to swim or playing tennis. Canoeing down the St. Croix
River was another favorite. He was an expert in finding scenic roads “off the beaten path” in the
countryside. Always game for a Sunday drive any day of the week in his red convertible, Gene
preferred the top down, blasting Patsy Cline music with a stop to enjoy lunch. He loved to be
active--jogging around Lake Harriet and playing handball at Calhoun Beach Club into his
eighties.
Gene was proud of his Irish heritage and St. Patrick's Day was a favorite day. He often attended
the parade and hosted his own party where he always sang, “Oh Danny Boy.” After retirement,
he found he enjoyed writing poetry and a lucky few have a poem written for them.
An eternal optimist, Gene always saw the glass more than half full. The house was never dirty,
his health was always fine, and every day was sunny. After a pessimistic conversation with his
Doctor less than a month ago, Gene proclaimed, “You know, I think the Doctor was just having
a bad day. He was so positive at my last appointment, I feel fine, let’s have a beer!”
When visiting, he always asked a pertinent question for you and your interests, always curious
about your opinion. His door was ever open, there was no need to call, and he was always
happy to see you--offering a chair and a glass. This gentle and humble spirit will be deeply
missed.
He is survived by his children, Stephen O’Neil (Tamrah), Patrick O’Neil (Daniel Sihocky), Annie
Wobbeking (Brian), Colleen O’Neil (Jeffry Taylor), and Daniel O’Neil; Judy, the mother of his children.
Grandchildren, Kincaid, Abbriella, Mercedes, Xavier (Stephen and Tamrah) Grace, Natalie (Daniel O’Neil);
brother, Jack O’Neil (Kate) and family.
Private Mass of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of Grace and Interment St. Mary's Cemetery.
Memorial preferences to Midwest Special Services (MSS) St.Paul.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088