Thomas J. O'Connell

Thomas J. O’Connell, age 75, of Oshkosh, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Peabody Manor in Appleton. Tom was born on September 13, 1950, at Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, WI, to the late John P. and Shirley H. (Lee) O’Connell.

Tom grew up on the family farm in the Town of Poygan, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. After graduating from Winneconne High School in 1968, he spent a couple of years trying his hand at farming before eventually settling in Oshkosh.

Throughout his life, Tom worked a variety of jobs before finding his long-term career at Bemis, where he dedicated more than 20 years before retiring.

Tom had a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life. He enjoyed exploring the United States many miles of it on his Harley’s. He took great pride in his garden, especially his radishes and ground cherries. He loved deer hunting, fishing, and above all, playing cribbage. In recent years, he especially cherished Tuesday fish fries at Jorgie’s and long cribbage games with friends, particularly Wendell O’Connell and Warren Utecht. Wendell, who recently passed away, shared many of these good times with Tom.

Tom is survived by his four children, Patrick O’Connell of Oshkosh, Cari Blank of Oshkosh, Michael O’Connell of Madison, and Mathew (Jessica A.) O’Connell of Appleton; He is further survived by five grandchildren, Jessica L. (Sam) O’Connell of Winneconne, Hunter Blank of Oshkosh, and Rachael, Luke, and Christopher of Appleton; He leaves behind his two sisters, Lynn Huettl and Sharon Huettl, both of Poygan; one niece, Rachel; two nephews, Kevin and Nick; one great niece, Morgan; two great-nephews, Alex and Dean; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John P. and Shirley H. O’Connell; and his brother-in-law, Ralph Huettl.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the ThedaCare Peabody Manor staff for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided to Tom. Their kindness and constant presence meant so much, especially during times when his family could not be at his side.

Visitation for Thomas will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Westside, 100 Lake Pointe Dr, Oshkosh WI, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.

Following the service, family will have a small luncheon until 2:00 p.m. at Twisted Roots, 693 N Main Street Oshkosh, WI, a bar owned by friends, Brenda Brown (Jeff).

Private family burial will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Lake View Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.