- Born on: February 7, 1938
- Departed on: July 25, 2010
William J. O'Neill, Ph.D.
I worked with Bill at Southeastern Community College and respected him greatly. Bill was such a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. I always enjoyed talking with him. God Speed, Bill.
Bill was my freshman English teacher at DeLa Salle HS in Detroit in 1962. He remained a friend, especially providing an "intelligent ear" during my divorce in the late 70's...He was a good man and will be missed. One anecdote: Bill actually slapped me during that Freshman year---in retrospect, it weas the right hting to do--I deserved it!!!
Missing you
Bon Voyage Bro; Travel well and I know that some day we will again sit around discussing the problems and solutions to this worlds problems. I convey my family's heartfelt sympathy to your's. It is better to have to mourn your passing than never to have experienced moments of life and laughter with you. I am going to really miss you!
I did not know Dr. Bill outside our relationship at Southeasterb Community College, but kept up with his retirement activity through his friend John Phipps-Winfrey. I greatly respected Bill and often asked for his opinion and advice on matters pertaining to the college. I am sad for the loss, but know that he is breathing easy!
I first met Bill while he was out with his wife, Thelma, dancing. Oh, he had a twinkle in his eye, it was clear immediately that he was enjoying the evening and the company he was keeping. My husband and I were welcomed at that table as we were at many others he was seated at in years to come. I feel blessed for each and every opportunity we had to spend time together, we always had fun. It's been said before, he was bright with a delightful wit. Conversations with him were stimulating, he would listen and spark both; assurance and further thought. You had to be on your toes or you could miss out on an additional pun or fact. There are truly many qualities about Bill to have loved, but if I had to pick two, it would be his love for his family and his stance for understanding "justice for all". With love for his whole family, Cathryn
Dr. O'Neill and I, as IHCC instructors, taught along side of the Ottumwa Heights teachers during the first years of the transition when IHCC purchased the Heights. We became good friends and I respected his knowledge and devotion to his subject matter. He was always in good humor and had an affectionate laugh. My best to Thelma, Barry, and Elizabeth.
All my love, all my life papa.
I didn't know Bill all that well - only met him a handful of times. However, he was one of my dearest friend's fathers. You could always see the light in Liz's eyes when she talked about her papa. He was obviously a wonderful father and man, who will be missed by many. Sarah
I had the oppritunity to meet Willaim O'Neill in 2007. My first impression of him was that he had an easy, welcoming way about him. He radiated intelligence, dignity, and love for his family with little words needed. It was a pleasure to have known him.
I only met William O'Neill one time at his daughter's wedding. However I felt that i got to know him better than that through talking with Liz. I remember her talking about his wisdom in guiding her educational path. I recall the way Liz valued the love of her parents. I must say that I felt blessed to witness the father daughter dance at Liz's wedding. My deepest condolences to the family at the time of your loss, Sherilyn
Still missing you.
Bill: As I prepare your eulogy, I am painfully aware that my words won't be able to capture your value as a friend, impact as an educator, or love for Thelma, Elizabeth, Barry, and Will.
I met Bill when I moved to Keokuk to marry his close friend John. Bill couldn't have been more welcoming. Early on, I took a Psychology class that Bill instructed. He was a man of deep learning in his field whose enthusiasm about psychology was catching. In fact, he was knowledgeable about diverse subjects but did not broadcast his knowledge; he had nothing to prove. His knowledge included enough random facts that he usually won at Trivial Pursuit. He was a complex man but straightforward; he spoke his mind and didn't toady up to anyone. Discussions about our life and times were enhanced by his dry wit. Bill often wore a black beret outdoors in wintertime. It would have looked silly on many men, but not Bill; he looked distinguished, as always, although a bit jauntier. That's how I see him in my mind's eye.
I didn't speak with him often before he died but I sure do miss him now. The world will be a less interesting place without his wonderful mind and caring heart. Thank you for making that video tribute to his life. It made me smile. My family will always be there for your's when you need it. Love you Uncle Bill.
Dr O'Neill was great professor. He was one of my favorites. He inspired me to pursue my degree in psychology. He always challenged me to voice my own opinion regardless if it was the popular opinion and I keep that with me everyday. I'm very sorry to hear about his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends.
I didn't speak with him often before he died but I sure do miss him now. The world will be a less interesting place without his wonderful mind and caring heart. Thank you for making that video tribute to his life. It made me smile. My family will always be there for your's when you need it. Love you Uncle Bill.
I first met Bill when he worked at IWC. Later we both worked for SCC. I always enjoyed having conversations with Bill. He was always interesting and even if we didn't agree on something, we could still have good conversations. He supported the rights of students and the independence of faculty.
Bill can not nor will be forgotten. If Bill loved you, he loved you with no end. I know you are smiling down especially on Thelma, Elizabeth, Barry, Will and Jack. Put a plug in for us to our Heavenly Father.
Yesterday, today and always. Love you.
Last night I went out to dinner with friends for the first time since Bill died. After coffee the waitress asked if I was his wife and shared that she and her husband had been students of Bill's at Indian Hills and how much they appreciated him. When she gave her name, sure enough, I knew all about them and their careers since graduating a long time ago. Bill really kept up on the news about his special students. Her remarks at the end of dinner were the perfect ending to the evening. Better than dessert."
Sad to hear of Mr. O'Neill's passing. I work at Family Medicine in Mt. Pleasant and would try to go out and bring him in to the clinic in a wheel chair so that he wouldnt have to walk all the way. He was very apprieciative. Last year at Christmas time, he gave me the most beautiful Christmas ornament. It will have special memories for me when I hang it on my tree this year. Thoughts and prayers to Mr. O'Neill's family. God Bless. Mona Nichting.
For Elizabeth and Barry, I remember you fondly as very sweet Kindergarteners. I don't remember your Dad but if he was a part of your lives he must have been special. So sorry that you have lost him. Fondly! Joyce Kramer
I worked with Bill at SCC in Keokuk. When Bill first started at the college I didn't quite know what to make of him. Sometimes he seemed a little bit stern but as I got to know him I realized that he had his I'm in charge personality but there was the other side that I got to know where he was a friend. Someone that liked to discuss just about anything and who was there for his friends and colleagues. I know my husband George who worked for awhile as the night library clerk greatly enjoyed having conversations with Bill. Bill will be missed!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the O'Neill family. I hope the fond and cherished memories of your dad/husband/grandfather help you at this difficult time. Kathie Mason Ottumwa
Right now I imagine Bill's voice and know that not to hear him again is part of how I will miss him. I've known him since he worked in Renton in the late 60's, I think, and sang at his and Thelma's wedding. He practiced his faith and still was growing in it through the end of his days. We were lucky to have him among us this long!
