Joseph O'Neill

Joseph O’Neill, age 65 of Atlantic, Iowa, died at Bergan Mercy in Omaha on Monday, December 20, 2021. He was born on May 13, 1956, to Robert and Elvilda O’Neill and raised in Hancock, Iowa. Joe met Deanna in October 2009 and they were married in August of 2017. He worked in the food and beverage industry for most of his life and worked for ECOLAB for the last 12 years.

Joe was always a hard worker and was always available to help anyone in need. He was a kindhearted person who was full of compassion and would help an individual in need regardless of the circumstances. He believed his word was his honor and loved giving. He admired and loved the 1972 Mach One Mustang that he bought in 1972, drove to Stockdale, California and had it ever since. You could always find him building things from top to bottom in his downtime, especially from wood. He would never use instructions, or blueprints, just pure talent.

Joe loved to tell stories, and jokes, just to see people smile and laugh. He loved to take his children to Wisconsin to go fishing when they were younger. He loved sports since his childhood, especially football. He played football for Avoca High School and Wayne State College. You would always find him at a sporting event when he was younger, and maybe even ended up coaching the teams. There was never a time that football was not on in our home. He would watch Friday night football, college football on Saturdays, NFL football on Sundays, along with Monday and Thursday night football. His favorite teams were the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Iowa Hawkeye’s, and Notre Dame.

Joe honored and adored his family and friends. Joe took Deanna's children, and grandchildren as if they were his own. The 12 years Joe and Deanna had together were the best years of their lives. Before Joe passed, he stated that they were meant to find and love each other.

Joe will always be remembered for his work ethic, humor, love, honesty and love for Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Elvilda O’Neill, and his brother Robert G. O’Neill. Joe is survived by his wife, Deanna O’Neill; his children, Shaun, Patrick O, Jennifer, Brea, Michelle, Garry, and Patrick R; his siblings; Tom O’Neill and Mary Kay; and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Hillside Hope Assembly at 1913 E 22nd St, Atlantic, IA with Pastor Dave Beroth officiating. The family will be present for visitation from 9:30 am until the time of services at the church. Memorial can be made in his name to Celebrate Recovery at Hillside Hope Assembly. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic, Iowa is caring for the O’Neill family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com