Wilda O'Connell

Niagara - Wilda E. O'Connell, 86 of Niagara, died on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at her home. Wilda was born on November 8, 1923 in Grayling, MI and was the daughter of the late George and Olive (Bower) Willet. She attended schools in Kingsford, Iron Mountain, Escanaba and graduated in 1941 from Owosso High School in Owosso, MI. Wilda Married Elbert "Red" O'Connell on April 10, 1943 in Owosso and returned to this area in 1944 while Elbert was serving in the U.S. Army in Europe during WWII. Wilda lived in Niagara in the same home for over 60 years. She worked as the Niagara correspondent for the Iron Mountain Daily News for four years and later as a bookkeeper for several local businesses including; Doucette's Accounting, Branz Mechanical Contractors and Wittock Supply Company, retiring in 1997. Wilda was member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. She was very active as a 4-H leader, Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout leader and council member. Wilda was very proud of her volunteer work with the Salvation Army. Over the years, she sponsored three children from infancy to age 18 through the Christian Children's Fund. Wilda is survived by her sons, Richard (Carol) O'Connell of Tomahawk, WI and Edward O'Connell of Quinnesec. Her daughters, Susan (Ronald) Weide of Channing, Kathleen O'Connell of Niagara; her daughter-in-law, Marion O'Connell of North Bay, Ontario, Canada;a brother, Frank Willet of Port Charlotte, FL.; her grandchildren, Lisa (Brad) Welko of Greenville, WI, Don Weide of Marquette, Scott O'Connell of Merrill, WI, Stephen (Stephanie) O'Connell with the US Air Force and Sonja (William) Thrasher of Culpepper, VA.; and her great grandchildren, Benjamin and Katherine Welko, Izetta Weide, Cameron, Amber, Bradley and Logan O'Connell, Sophia, Joshua and Jacob Thrasher. She was preceded in death by her Husband Elbert "Red", Sons, Terry, Michael and infant son Larry O'Connell, brothers, Duard, Gerald and Floris Willet, sister and brother in law, Clara and Lavern Owen and sister Edythe Willet. Visitation will be Monday from 9:00am-11:00am at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. The funeral service will be held on Monday at 11:00am at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Rev. Stephen Cowen and Rev. Lee Liverance will officiate. Burial will be Cemetery Park. Memorials may be made in her memory to the Salvation Army. Condolences to the family of Wilda O'Connell may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Wilda O'Connell

January 21, 1924 - January 21, 2010