Jay A. O'Neil

Jay Alan O’Neil, age 74, of Van Dyne, WI passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2023.

On Nov. 9, 1948, Jay Alan began his life as the 3rd son of Walter and Jennie (Van Norman) O’Neil. Jay grew up in North Fond du Lac with his three brothers: Phillip (Shirley) FdL, Barry “Big O”, Rhinelander and the youngest, Michael (Peggy) NFdL. For eight years, he attended Presentation BVM School and graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1966.

In the summer of ’65, Jay met his future wife and life partner, Barbara Hansen from Ripon. As young sweethearts, Jay and Barb were together for seven years prior to being married on July 1, 1972. They were able to celebrate their 51st anniversary before Jay’s passing. They became parents, raising two wonderful children, Ryan (Rebecca) and Amanda. Papa’s pride and joy were his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Seraphim, Vivian, Willamina and Amy (Dylan) Nelson.

While a senior in high school, Jay began his military career when he enlisted in the Oshkosh Naval Reserve. He began his active duty tour in the Pacific aboard the (floating city) Tender Ship USS Delta. Jay took great pride in performing his supply duties to support his fellow service men. He felt he could be of greater service and volunteered to go to Vietnam. Jay was stationed at the Chu Lai Air Base that was the Marine and Army occupied combat base and airfield. Jay received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1969.

Returning to civilian life, Jay’s military experience in supply led to his being employed at Mercury Marine as an Expeditor for 40 years. Jay retired in 2010.

Following in his parents’ footsteps, in 1969 Jay joined the FdL Eagles Aerie 270 and remained a member for 50 yrs. He looked forward to bowling every Thursday night, shooting in the pool league, playing cribbage and over the years, attending a few Friday night Fish Fries.

Whether it was fishing, hunting or sitting in the backyard, being outdoors was a place of peace and contentment. Having been a Navy man, Jay delighted in early evening sailing on Lake Winnebago to watch the sunset. He enjoyed spending time up north on Oneida Lake at the family cottage. Barb and Jay loved rustic camping which led to many late night campfires with friends under the stars and a full moon. Jay was a quiet, easy going man with a kind heart and gentle spirit. To those who knew him, Jay was a real, true friend. Being a man of faith, Jay read the bible daily and used the written work “Desiderata” as his mantra for living.

As Jay entered his eternal life, he was reunited with his parents, his brother Phillip, grandchild Cherub, nephew James O’Neil, aunt Leona Kowalski, cousin Glenn Van Norman, and friends Ken K, Joe G, Fred W, Richard W, Dick B, and Tom B.

Visitation for Jay will be held Sunday, July 9, 2023. Family and friends are welcome to gather, visit, and reminisce together from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Avenue, FdL. Funeral arrangements have been made for Monday, July 10, 2023 at Presentation Church, 705 Michigan Avenue, NFdL. Visitation will be available 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Military honors will conclude the funeral service. Cremation will take place following the services.

Grateful for the many years of diabetic and dementia care; a heartfelt thank you to the daily caregivers at Crossroads Care Center, Lakeland Care Team, SSM Endocrinology and Neurology Departments. A special thank you to Hospice for Jay’s care and comfort at home.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com