Chuck O'Neill

Chuck (John Charles) O'Neill of Leadmine, WI passed away on December 28, 2023. He has left us to join his best friend and wife of 62 years in heaven. He was born on September 15, 1937 to John and Hannah O'Neill. He met Shirley Goffinet in Dubuque, IA. They dated for 2 ½ years until Shirley asked Chuck "When are we getting married?" He asked, "Do you want to?" and she said "Yes". They were united in marriage on January 28, 1961, in Dubuque, iA where they lived together until Chuck took over farming the family homestead in the Township of Seymour. He had worked the land with his grandfather and father as a child when his grandfather was still using horses to plow the fields. He endured many ups and downs over the years in farming. He became a big advocate for no-till farming. He loved his tractors and enjoyed fixing up antique tractors. Chuck was blessed with the Irish gift of gab. Chuck enjoyed traveling and was known to walk in the house and ask Shirley if she wanted to go out to eat and then telling her to pack a bag because he was done planting or harvesting and they were leaving for a few days or a week. They enjoyed boating on the Mississippi, taking Harley rides, taking trips with Super Crost Seed Corn Company. In later years they enjoyed going on cruises and taking trips in the RV. Chuck would tell anyone who would listen that he and Shirley had a lot of fun together and traveling and really lived life. He would tell them to travel while they were young and could enjoy it. He was a man who could do anything he put his mind. He never wrote his plans down so his finished products were always a surprise whether it be remodeling a house, building a boat house, or cooking up a meal. Chuck is survived by his brother Jim; his 7 children: John, Bill (Cindy), Tom (Juanita), Terry, Kenny (Jill), Peggy, and Chris (Katrina); his grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and his parents. Chuck was buried in St. Matthew's Cemetery next to his wife surrounded by his family on December 29, 2023. A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church (344 N. Judgement St., Shullsburg) with Fr. Peter Lee officiating, followed by a Celebration of Life at The Burg in Shullsburg. Everyone who knew Chuck is invited to join us to tell a story and celebrate his memory.