Daniel J. O'Connell

Daniel O’Connell, 56, was called home on September 29, 2024, after an eighteen year courageous battle with cancers.

He was born to Richard O’Connell and Christine O'Connell on May 22, 1968 in Hudson, WI. He graduated from Sparta High School in 1986 and later earned a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University. In high school he was active in baseball, wrestling, football, and band. During his time at Iowa State, he made many friends that are now considered family.

Dan met the love of his life, Carleen “Tilt”, and they married on top of Mt. Alyeska in Girdwood, AK on September 13, 1997. Dan’s life revolved around his wife, three children, Shawn (Hayley) O’Connell, Jessica (Kurt) Beneker, Tanna (Ryan) Livernash, and his grandchildren, Raiden, Carson and Dailyn Livernash, Kate and Anna Beneker.

Dan began his career in 1990 as a conservation intern in Monroe County. He worked in Wood County (1991-1994) and Jackson County (1994-1999) as a Conservation Technician. He retired from Portage County as a Senior Conservation Technician in September of 2024 after 25 years of dedicated conservation work. He worked with hundreds of landowners to design and install conservation practices that conserve the soil and protect the waters of the state. He was instrumental in many conservation organizations, including Farmers of the Mill Creek Council, Farmers for Tomorrow and the Wisconsin Land and Water Technical Committee. In 2018 he was named the Land and Water Outstanding Conservation Employee Technician. Dan could be found most spring mornings scouting for the Greater Prairie Chickens for the annual census and in the summer eradicating invasive species, but his passion was educating the next generation on the importance of conservation.

Dan, his brother, David, and son, Shawn, all earned their Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts. He continued in Scouts by being a troop leader for Cub Scouts and a mentor in Boy Scouts. Camp was always a highlight even with battling the mosquitos.
Dan was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and was strong in his faith. His loud voice made him the perfect bingo caller for the church picnics. He also enjoyed his Men’s Group Sheep’s Head games.

Dan’s love of baseball started at a young age and he played many years of baseball for Sparta Miller and the LaCrosse 35ers. Dan continued to play ball through fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball: Winch Oil, The Brig, Kerry Ingredients, and Krings, just to name a few. Dan found so much joy in sharing his love of the game and the lessons it taught both on and off the field, to not only his children and grandchildren, but for ALL youth, no matter their skill level. Dan had a knack for bringing out the best in kids and always stressed the fundamentals, to focus on the “little things,” and most importantly to smile and have fun! Dan was the assistant coach of the varsity Lincoln High School baseball team and was named the North Central District Assistant Coach of the Year in 2021. He also coached Rudolph Girls Softball, Rudolph Little League, South Wood County Cardinals, and any youth that was willing to learn.

After summers spent at the ballpark, Dan spent his fall traveling to Iowa with his family and beloved dog, Dockors, to once again, “coach”, the next generation of pheasant hunters. He loved the time he could spend outdoors and the ability to hunt turkey, duck, goose, grouse, and deer with his family and friends was just a bonus. Over the years, Dan ensured that countless youth were able to enjoy hunting by being a mentor on the family’s hunting land.

Dan is survived by his wife, Carleen, three children, Shawn (Hayley) O’Connell of Milltown, WI, Jessica (Kurt) Beneker of Mequon, WI, Tanna (Ryan) Livernash of Rudolph, WI, and his grandchildren, Raiden, Carson and Dailyn Livernash, Kate and Anna Beneker. He is also survived by his parents, Rich (Diane) O’Connell and Christine Williams, and brother, David (Mary Callen) O’Connell, Brother-in-law Scott (Rachel) Clendenning, along with nieces, Alexis, Ashley, Naomi and Alina and many aunts and uncles.
Dan is proceeded in death by his step-father Hugh Williams, mother-in-law, Patricia Clendenning, father-in-law, Donald Clendenning, and his grandparents, Bernard and Isabelle O’Connell, and Matt and Marian Britten.

Dan’s family hopes to establish a scholarship in his name so he can continue to impact the lives of the youth in our community.

Per Dan’s wishes his family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 5th, 2024. The “gates open” at 11am and will remain open until the final pitch has been thrown (9pm), at Rudolph Community Ball Park, 1757 Park Street, Rudolph, WI. Please bring your ball equipment if you would like to participate in a game for Coach.

“Keep Smiling!” -Coach Dan O’Connell

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.