William "Bill" James O'Neill

William ("Bill") James O'Neill, 84, passed away on January 29, 2025, with his son, Patrick ("Rick") (Penny) O'Neill and daughter, Stephanie (Joe Macro) O'Neill Macro by his side. Bill was born on October 17, 1940, to Francis ("Frank") and Ethel O'Neill on the family farm in Henry, South Dakota. He attended Henry School and graduated in 1959. When not at school or helping on the family farm, Bill was a batboy in his youth, an altar boy at St. Henry Catholic Church, and a member of his high school basketball and track teams. He attended one year at the University of South Dakota before attending and graduating from Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with a bachelor's in business administration. Bill lived his adult life in various suburbs of the Twin Cities, Minnesota, most recently in Andover. He spent most of his career in human resources for the Department of Revenue and the Department of Education both for the State of Minnesota. When not working, Bill loved coaching his son in baseball and his daughter in basketball. He also enjoyed playing soft ball (including the post-game beers in someone's garage) well into his 40s with his buddies on the Gordon's in the Park team. He was proud that he ran and completed the Twin Cities Marathon. Every October, he looked forward to the opening weekend of pheasant hunting season with the O'Neill clan in Henry. Bill took great pride in his Irish heritage. In retirement, Bill loved to travel with his many friends from the Joken Travel Group. He had the privilege of traveling to places such as China, Egypt, Ireland, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Scandinavia, and all over Europe. He also loved watching and going to see his beloved Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, and Minnesota Gophers. However, his greatest pride and joy was watching his grandsons, Sean and Michael O'Neill and Joey and Cooper Macro play sports whether it be baseball, football, basketball, soccer or rowing as well as going to school activities like band concerts and plays. He was willing to travel anywhere, even on short notice for championship games, to see his grandsons play. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, both of his older brothers, Dale (Shirley) and Don (Delores) O'Neill, and beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by the mother of his children, Marilyn O'Neill, his sister-in-law, Delores, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church and Cemetery at 19921 Martingale St. NW, Oak Grove, MN 55011. Visitation will be held at the church between 10:00 am and 11:00 am followed by a funeral mass and burial at 11:00 am. A luncheon will be held at the church following the services. After lunch, everyone is welcome to join us for a beer and a final toast to our beloved Irishman at Beef O'Brady's, 15190 Bluebird St., #114, Andover, MN 55304 before traveling home.

Tributes

William "Bill" James O'Neill

October 17, 1940 - January 29, 2025

Tributes

William "Bill" James O'Neill

October 17, 1940 - January 29, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203