Brian P. O'Neill

Brian Patrick O’Neill was born December 28, 1956, the son of Terry and Betty O’Neill. He died in his home, Monday, April 1, 2019 at the age of sixty-two.
Brian was baptized in Christ and Confirmed at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison with Jack Murphy serving as his God Father. He received his early education in the St. Rose of Lima Parochial School and subsequently graduated from the Denison Community High School with the class of 1974.
He was united in marriage to Denise Schmieder on June 17, 1976. The couple was blessed with four children. He was a stern but loving father who raised his children with discipline and character. He had a wonderful personality and a heart filled with kindness. He taught his children to work with dignity and respect and to value their abilities in the lives they live.
Brian worked for several years at Farmland Industries and Dubuque Packing. After Dubuque closed, Brian continued his education and trained as a professional plumber. He started his own plumbing business which he worked at until his death.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and antique tractors. He was Irish through and through and the height of his year was St. Patrick’s Day and the parade in which he drove the Shamrock Express bus with Irish pride. He was also a big fan of Notre Dame University. Brian enjoyed researching genealogy and collected Crawford County and Denison City history and memorabilia. He was a staunch member of the Democratic Party. He had a special place in his heart for children, especially his grandchildren, and would be seen taking them, as well as others, on rides on his tractor and wagon around the Yellow Smoke Park treating family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike.
He was the consummate story teller who could tell you a story that one could swear was the God’s honest truth until he got to his punch line. For those who knew him, you either loved him or disliked him. His antics were memorable as a Brian O’Neill original. There will never be another Brian and he will be missed by all those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by one son, Riley; three daughters, Meghan, Molly and Mackenzie and her husband, Alan; eight grandchildren; his siblings: Kelly and his wife, Cindy; Gayle and her husband, Marty; Pat and his wife, Colleen; Danny and his wife, Carla; Peggy; Maureen and her husband, Dave; Kathleen; Jimmy and his wife, Kristi, and Kerry and his wife, Barb; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.