Eugene J. O'Connell, age 89, of Eau Claire, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. He was born in Chippewa Falls, WI on May 22, 1925, to Patrick and Maude (Gormley) O'Connell. He graduated from McDonell Memorial High School in 1943. Eugene was then drafted by U.S. Army on July 31, 1943, and was with the 83rd Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged on December 21, 1945. Eugene married Arlene M. Zutter at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Altoona, WI. They both enjoyed attending many of Eugene's Army Reunions. Las Vegas was also a frequent trip over the years with Arlene. He especially enjoyed returning to Europe to visit some of the places he served in. On June 5, 2009, Eugene went back to Europe to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of D-Day, in which they held a banquet in his name and honored his infantry that helped liberate the city of Santenay, France. Immediately following his time in the U.S. Army, Eugene returned home and worked as a rubber worker on tires at Uniroyal for 45 years. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, dinner theatres, but most of all he enjoyed attending his grandchildren's school and religious events. Eugene is survived by his children, Tom (Susan) of Excelsior, MN, Nancy O'Connell of Hopkins, MN, Tim (Julie) O'Connell of Hartland, WI, and Sandy (Dave) Pieterick of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Molly (Chris) Parsons, Kelsey (Bradley) Nelson, Hayley (Justin) Guilkey, Whitney O'Connell, Jacob (Darby) O'Connell, Derek (Meghan) O'Connell, Abbey (Thomas) Roberts, Alexander Pieterick and Natalie Pieterick; great-grandchildren, Theo, Sophie, Finn and Eden; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Arlene in 2008; siblings, Lorraine Sinette, Elaine Bell, John O'Connell, Patrick O'Connell, Dorothy Ann Sloan, and Rosemary Trimble. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue, Eau Claire, with a Public Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2015, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St. Eau Claire, with a visitation one hour prior the Mass at church. Father Tom Krieg will be officiating. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire, with Military Honors conducted by the VFW Post #305. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. James the Greater Catholic Church. The family would like to thank the Staff at Dr. Peter Halverson's office at Mayo Clinic, especially Sarah Bangel, as well as the staff of Mayo Clinic Home Health and Hospice for all their loving care given to Eugene.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Thursday, March 26 2015 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Prayer Service

Thursday, March 26 2015 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Friday, March 27 2015 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, March 27 2015 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703