Hugh Henry O’Connell age 89 of New Richmond, formerly of Hammond died Thursday May 1, 2014 at the Deerfield Gables in New Richmond. Hugh was born on December 16, 1924 in Roberts, Wisconsin; the son of Henry and Catherine (McCardle) O’Connell. He was raised on the family farm attending Elm Lawn District #4 Elementary School prior to graduating from Roberts High School in 1942. Hugh enjoyed his farming days with his dad and then on his own. On August 18, 1951, he was united in marriage to Nona McKernon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood. Hugh worked 18 years for Doboy in New Richmond in their mechanical department. More recently, he worked from 1985 to 2002 as a field inspector for FSA – St. Croix County.

Hugh was as avid supporter of St. Croix Central High School sports; receiving the prestigious Panther Pride Award. Furthermore, he was more than willing to play armchair quarterback in support of the Green Bay Packers or the Wisconsin Badgers. Hugh loved the fellowship of others, whether coffee following church services, or his ritual stops at the Northside Cafe and Roberts Cafe. Although he was a devoted husband, dad, and grandpa, he thoroughly took great pride in his civic duties serving twenty years on the school board, twenty years on the Baldwin Hospital board. He was also an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Hammond Lions Club.

Hugh joined his loving wife Nona and son Mack in Heaven this Thursday. He leaves to mourn his children Meg and her husband Tom Hansen of Mesa, Arizona, Richard and his wife Kathleen O’Connell of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; grandchildren Marc, Luke, Shea, Mackenzie, Riley, and Charlie; sister Mary (Gregory) Speltz of Seattle, Washington.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 6PM Friday, May 9 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond with Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Visitation will be from 3PM until 6PM prior to the Mass at church on Friday. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with his wife. Memorials are preferred. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.