Obituaries

Cottage Grove - Mark O’Connell of Cottage Grove lost his battle with mental health on Sunday, April 21, 2024. He was a son of the late Mike O’Connell Sr. and Nancy (Lessner) O’Connell of Cottage Grove.

Mark graduated from LaFollette High School in 1979 and then attended Madison Area Technical College where he earned an associate degree in Commercial Art. Mark worked for Frito Lay followed by Frank Beer for 18 years until moving into real estate at the First Weber Group. He played a pivotal role in launching Trixie’s liquor and was a steadfast supporter as a property owner. In the nature of keeping busy, he also worked for FedEx. As a social creature, Mark found joy in driving for Gallant Knight limousine service. Mark gave his time as the first president of the Optimist Club in Cottage Grove. He always enjoyed meeting new people.

Mark is survived by his mother, Nancy O’Connell, his wife, Terri Nelson Page, and daughters from his first marriage, Colleen Welch (O’Connell) (Chris Welch) of McFarland, Megan Sanchez (O’Connell) (Drew Sanchez) of High Point, N.C. and stepsons Josh Page (Jillian) and Jake Page (Courtney) of Madison. He is further survived by his siblings Mike O’Connell, Jr. of Albany, Kelly (Brad Harnisch) of Cottage Grove, and Tim O’Connell (Brenda Fenske) of Marshall, and his first wife, Nancy Koberle. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren who loved him dearly, Noah and Alexander Welch, Dani Sanchez, and Lennon and Ivy Page. He will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Kristen O’Connell, his father Mike O’Connell Sr., and his nephew Aaron Steiner.

Mark enjoyed animals, especially his mother’s dogs, grand dogs, cats, and bunnies that included Ruby, Raven, Dudley, Boomer, Bane, Luna, “The late Waylon”, Chip, Zella, Big Guy, Lily, and Aspen.

Arrangements are being handled by Ryan Funeral Home, Madison. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Journey Mental Health at https://www.journeymhc.org/join-us/donate. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 4th from 1:00pm - 5:00pm at TPC Wisconsin (Cherokee Country Club), 5000 N Sherman Ave, Madison, with a Memorial Tribute to be held at 3:00pm. All those attending are encouraged to wear orange attire in memory of Mark.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257