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Nathan ONeill Obituary

Nathan Hugh ONeill, 21, of Winchester, KS., died Wednesday, July 19, 2006 from injuries received in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 59 & U.S. Hwy. 16 near Winchester, KS. He was born on Aug. 7, 1984 in Merriam, KS., the son of Jay Kenneth and Cynthia Joyce Tweed ONeill. Nathan was working for the Mennonite Central Committee on Economic Development in Brazil and was to leave Aug. 12, 2006 for his appointment. He was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Winchester. He was a 2002 Graduate and Valedictorian of Jefferson County North High School, He was a National Merit Scholar and was active in high school, participating in cross country, basketball, track, Theater, band, and FBLA. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with honors in 2002 from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA.,& earned a B.S. in Business Administration in May, 2006. Survivors include his Parents, Jay and Cindy, two brothers Jason Kyle ONeill, Indianapolis, IN., and Alexander James ONeill, Winchester, KS., Paternal grandparents Gene and Dorothy ONeill, Winchester, and Maternal Grandparents John and Alta Tweed, Winchester, KS. He was preceded in death by one infant brother in April, 1981. Services will be 10:00 AM Saturday at the Winchester Reformed Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at the Reformed Presbyterian Cemetery. A visitation will be Friday 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Barnett-Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Oskaloosa. Memorials can be made to the Winchester Reformed Presbyterian Church, and sent in care of the Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Oskaloosa, KS 66066.

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Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Jul. 21, 2006.

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December 15, 2006

Your family is in my prayers during this holiday season as you miss the one you love...

Alicia Deibert

October 19, 2006

Continuing to think of and pray for your family three months since your lives drastically changed.

Lola Akinboyo

August 14, 2006

To the O'Neill Family,



Nate wasn't just any classmate. He was always nice; the kind of "nice" that's genuine....he always had a "hi" and a smile for anyone 24/7.



Words cannot express what Nate meant to the Geneva College Community. And, words will never be enough so instead of using them, I'm sending love and prayers your way.



He will definitely be missed...be rest assured...Nate's with Jesus....

Alicia Deibert

August 9, 2006

Dear O'Neills, my prayer for your family has been and will continue to be that God would, in His beautiful way, use this unimaginable loss to yield even greater fruits of righteousness in your lives; that you would look back on this unthinkable circumstance and know that you wouldn't have known the Lord so sweetly and dearly had you not lost your beloved son, brother, grandson and nephew; that the Lord would bind up your wounds and give you a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness because you are the planting of the Lord (that He may be glorified).



I only talked with Nathan a few times but liked him. I have felt and thought of the loss of his earthly life more than I have with other saints who have died, perhaps because of some grief in my own life this year and because he was nearer to my age (I'm 26). I am so very, very sorry that this grief has come upon you so suddenly and harshly. I am also very, very comforted that the day you read this and all the days before and after were all written by the Lord, when there was yet one of them (Ps. 139). I am comforted that He knows your pain and walks with you through it. Joy will return, of that I am sure. Joy will return.



In His care,

Shelly Schwalm

August 7, 2006

Throughout the past few weeks I have been recalling more and more memories I have that involve a wonderful person named Nathan. It seems like the random things done and said whenever him and his friends were around could never even be complied on a list because there's just so many. Right away since I was a freshman in high school, I've been around Nathan. Plays, FBLA, Forensics, you name it..and then being accepted into their circle of friends. I couldn't image what I'd be like without that group.



I can't really even describe Nathan. He was his own. But I will always remember him. Just as he was and all the great memories that we've shared. I remember the last time I was with Nathan at the lake with our friends. I had to ride back early with the boys because I had to work. Nathan drove and he was so concerned about getting me back on time. Kent and Joe wanted to stop to eat, but Nathan told them they better ask me first if it was okay. He was always considerate, but laid back enough to make anyone feel at ease. The trip home was filled with laughing, laughing, and more laughing. It's something I'll never forget and I'm glad I'll always have.



Happy birthday, Nathan. We're celebrating the great instrument of God that you were during your time here. You are probably the biggest (tallest) friend I've ever had and you can rest assured that you hold an even bigger place in my heart. I've always admired your heart for God and I know that we had similar roles in our group of friends and in the family of Christ. To go out and do. I'm still going to go because that's where I belong, just like you were called to go all over the world and finally to home. I'll miss you always and think of you often...whenever I hear "Island in the Sun" by Weezer (how you always sang "hep, hep") or even when I smell coffee. But before I know it, I won't have to miss you anymore. I pray that God has got a spot for me to sit on His knee right next to you.

Kendra Winn

August 3, 2006

I share with you in the greif of losing Nate and in the joy of having known him.



Like several other LASPers who have left notes, I met Nate while in Latin America. I especially remember the time we spent in Guatemala working at a newly founded hospital for the poor. Even though the job was discouraging and tough, he always made it fun and enjoyable. At the end of the day he still had energy and love to share with the kids who were hanging all over him begging for attention. He was an amazing guy... sensitive and sincere.



I cannot imagine how hard all of this is for you when it's this hard for the rest of us who only knew him breifly. I will continue to pray for you all. Warm hugs to you.

Arielle Smith

August 3, 2006

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Anna Adjemian

August 2, 2006

Dear O'Neill family,



I met Nathan at orientation and knew him throughout our four years at Geneva. We did some theatre together and I went to Tusca with him for a while. He was so funny and kind and he was always a great encouragement and always quick with the right words for any situation. His zeal and trust for God and his love for those around him were always evident in his words and actions. I can't express how sorry I am for your sorrow and loss, but I am sure you are with me in coveting Nathan his joy as he meets face to face with our Lord Jesus Christ.



I pray that the love and grace and comfort of God are with you strongly now.

Alicia McGhee

July 31, 2006

Nate was one of my very first friends at Geneva. I really admired him a lot and I wish I had shared that with him. He was smart, funny, friendly... He was an amazing guy. I look at this guest book and smile because it is so great to see how much of a positive impact Nate had on so many people all over the world. He truly had a heart of gold. I will miss Nate very much... I am thinking and praying for all of you during this hard time.

Brooke Prokopchak

July 31, 2006

Though I did not know Nate very well, I didn't need to in order to understand what an incredible person he was, the impact he had on those around him, and the loss that this world is suffering on his behalf. His genuine and adventurous spirit spoke volumes of you, his family, those who raised him in the Name of Christ to be the ambassador he was. May our God truly be the God of all comfort to you in this time. Our prayers are constantly with you; may you wrap them around you, and may they illuminate the darkest places with the hope that we have in our Savior, the One who will enjoy Nate forever and vice versa.

Sarah Wykstra

July 31, 2006

Dear O'Neill Family-

I can't imagine how difficult this shocking turn of events must be for you. Please know that you are continually in my prayers.



I had the privilege of spending time with Nate in Costa Rica. I worked with him on our business project. I can't say that our meetings were very efficient because he was constantly making everyone laugh. But at the same time I knew it would be okay because he was obviously so intelligent that I knew our group would do a good job. I just can't express how much fun it was to hang out with him. Nate was someone I respected. I valued the time that I got to spend with him.



It has been difficult for me too to accept that he's gone. I just keeping going back to the joy of knowing that he is experiencing pure life. PURA VIDA.



God Bless

Jennifer Fullwood

July 31, 2006

O'Neill Family-



You have no idea how much Nate had an impact on his fellow business classmates. As a recent Geneva Alumni, I can look back and remember what an inspiration Nate endowed upon each of us. He always had the most brillant ideas and theories. He was the guy everyone wanted on their team. He was the guy that was genuine and "for real". ... I just want you to know that my prayers are with you and Nate is and will be missed by many.

Lindsey Baker

July 31, 2006

Dear O'Neill Family,



I am so very sorry to hear about your tragic loss. Nate was a funny and pleasant guy to be around. My prayers will be with you.

Cynthia Kaldrovics

July 29, 2006

O'neil family

This loss has affected many of us, this goes to show how many lives nate has touched. I was a student with jason and nathan at Geneva and graduated with nate this may. being in many on his classes, nate always stood out as committed christian heading to the business feild. my prayers are with you

God bless

Zach White

July 29, 2006

Dear O'Neill Family,



Nate was a good friend of mine throughout our four years together at Geneva, and I thank God for the time that I got to spend with such a smart and Godly man. My prayers are with you and everyone that loved Nathan; we can only look to God and his love in such a difficult time.



Peace,

Heidi Felkner

July 29, 2006

Nate was a calming presence to all those in Costa Rica last fall. His cool spirit and sweet manner showed compassion to all of us. I am glad to have known him and consider myself blessed to have shared a part of his life. My prayers are with you all.

Don Yeager

July 28, 2006

Dear O'Neill Family,

I worked with Nathan for a year in Geneva's Admissions Office. We actually sat next to each other in the office and were part of the same "Admissions Team." Nate was truly an awesome guy. He always had a positive attitude and always had a smile on his face. We were able to constantly joke around but still take things seriously and that was an important thing for me. He was a good guy and he will be missed by all. But of course this is not goodbye but simply a see you later.

jennifer (maloney) jones

July 28, 2006

to the oneil family,



i had a few spanish classes with nathan and hung out once or twice, but i did not get the chance to get to know him any better. he was always smiling and cheerful on campus and always said hello. there is one memory that i have of nathan that i will always remember, and it is a story about nathan that was told to me by larry hardesty. he would be able to get the details better than i. however, larry recalled a time when there was a group of people who were on their way to beaver falls to help a church carry some heavy stuff. a friend of nathan's was in the car, spotted him on campus and called nathan into the car to go with them without even explaining where they were going or what they were doing. nathan just dropped what he was doing to serve in a needy neighborhood. i'm really glad that larry had told the students in service staff that story many months ago because i think it really summarizes nathan's heart as he sought after god and his plans for his life. i was so sad to hear about your loss, have been praying for you and hope that god will bless your family and remain close during this time.

Ibukun Akinboyo

July 28, 2006

I worked with Nathan on The Cabinet, Geneva's newspaper and I was amazed at how patient and willing he was to help me learn everything I needed to know. He was a great guy and we all share in this pain. May God comfort you (O'Neill family) during this period. He is surely missed.

Scott Metzger

July 27, 2006

Dear O'Neill Family,



I first met Nathan several years ago when we were in the same room at Covfamikoi Family Conference. He was a wonderful godly young man. I did not know him well - I wish I had known him better than I did. I look forward to knowing him better in eternity with our Lord.

My prayers and sympathy are with you.



"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." ~ Ps 31:24

Alison Maille Dawson

July 27, 2006

While I did not know Nathan really since all we shared in common was the same graduation year, the one encounter I did have with him our freshman year (through a mutual friend who was also from KS) made me see that Nathan was an intelligent and special individual. I am sure he will be missed by many, but I am also certain that he is safe with the Lord. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Rachel Palomaki

July 26, 2006

O'Neill family:

I did not know Nathan other than seeing him around campus, but I am a member of New Song and a good friend of Megan Archer's and knew of this tragedy through her. I am so sorry for your loss but I rejoice that Nathan was a faithful member of God's Kingdom and a great God-fearing man. I pray for your family daily and I send my condolences.

Rinda

July 26, 2006

Dear O'Neill family-

I pray that God will comfort you during this loss. I pray that he will give you peace and will bless your family and your lives. Although I did not know Nathan very well, I always found him to be a calm and personable individual who loved the Lord. God Bless.

Heidi Brumbaugh

July 26, 2006

I knew "Kansas" for the short time that he was on our track team at Geneva. I have suffered from grief in my life before and have thought of what words I might offer you that could bring you even the slightest peace. Though it is true that Nathan is in a better place now, home with the Lord, that isn't always possible to grasp in the midst of your sorrow. If you have already been able to do that, you are blessed. What I have to offer you is this...remember that God grieves WITH you. I am sorry.

Kirsten (Carson) Bestor

July 26, 2006

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15



I thank God for Nathan and the incredible impact he made on so many people's lives. My family and I were so blessed to have shared in even just a small part of his life. My love and prayers are with you every day.

Joseph Healey

July 25, 2006

Nathan was always smart. I could barely hold a conversation with the guy until college, except on return trips from track and cross-country meets when we devised crazy stories that didn't make any sense except for between the two of us. I will miss 21 years of memories with Nathan, but I look forward to an eternity of even greater ones with him that can never end when we all stand together as one with Christ.

Megan Halterman

July 25, 2006

May you, O'Neill family, truely experience the Lord's comfort and love in this unbelievably difficult time. Nate was one of the 4 of us going to Brazil. I never met him, but heard his name quite a few times and was looking forward to meeting him. Like everyone has said, just know that he's home now and in that we can rejoice!

*Megan Halterman

Brianne

July 25, 2006

It is my prayer that you feel the Lords wonderful presence with you during this time, and that you find comfort in knowing Nathan is living eternally and joyfully in His peaceful, loving arms.

Cesny Soffronoff

July 25, 2006

the O'Neill family-

I did not personally know Nathan very well, but I know Jason through working with him for a year on Student Senate. And I'm sure that Nathan was just as wonderful and delightful as Jason. My heart grieves that a son, brother, and best friend has been removed from your lives, but I pray that you are able to find true comfort in knowing that Nathan is now in the arms of our Jesus. You will all be in my prayers.

Pam Watterson

July 25, 2006

To the O'Neill family:



I am so sorry for your loss. I feel privileged to have known Nathan during his time spent here at Geneva. He truly was an outstanding individual who always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. His love for the Lord was a witness to many. He will be missed. May we all find comfort in knowing he is resting in the arms of our Lord.

Kent Mailen

July 25, 2006

Nathan was the best friend a person could ever have. He could listen as well as give advice. He was always ready to have fun with a smile on his face. He loved the Lord, and it was evident in everything he did. He will be missed on earth, but we know that he is sitting at the Lord's Table, and that will help us get through this tough time. Nathan I will miss you very much, but I will remember I will see you again in Heaven. I am praying for the O'Neill family, and all of your friends all over the earth.

Janeen Montlick

July 25, 2006

Rejoice that your son has truly graduated to a better place; these days are only a passing phase. Yet weep, for not all tears are an evil, and grow closer to God, for He will give you peace. You're in my prayers.

Joel sanders

July 25, 2006

To O'Neill Family:

May God comfort you during this time. Nathan always had an uplifting spirit and a heart that longed for God. I pray that God will continue to use your family in a world that has grown dim.

Josiah Fiscus

July 25, 2006

Although I did not know him well, we shared a major and had several classes together last semester. In Business Ethics, his views were always expressed in a way that challenged me to think and truly consider my own positions. I had always felt that it was the job of individuals, not the government, to handle social issues in most cases. He was able to show me many reasons why this is not always the case. A true thinker who I believe did make a difference on earth in his sadly short time here. My prayers are with you all.

amber chess

July 25, 2006

to the O'Neill family,

no words can express the deep sadness you feel right now, losing a loved one is difficult. Nathan was a wonderful man; he brought joy to many people's lives, probably more than he ever knew. he was a joy to share classes with. his intelligence and humor were traits to emulate, but more importantly was his faith. it is because of this faith you can be comforted. he is with his Creator, and you will see him again.

i am so sorry for your loss, may you find comfort in Christ. my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time.

Laurie Lane

July 24, 2006

There are few people who share more than one of my worlds. Nate was one of them. He shared both Geneva and the LASP program with me. It was great to talk to someone at school who knew exactly what I was taking about when I mentioned my tico world. We shared a similar vision when it came to our our beloved Latin America. He will be missed.

To the O'Neill family: my heart and prayers go out to you.

Pura Vida Mai. Paz y Amor.

Robbyn

July 24, 2006

I am really sorry for your loss. Your son sounds like he was a really wonderful person. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

Noah Finley

July 24, 2006

"And afterwards you will take me into glory... My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73: 24b, 26

Kristin Snodgrass

July 24, 2006

I had the pleasure of working with Nate during our time at Geneva. I loved hearing him talk about his family and his home and all the adventures he already had in life. He was such a wonderful person and he will be dearly missed, but it gives me a peace to know he is now truly at home with our Lord and Savior.

Jen Marsula

July 24, 2006

Nathan's Family and Friends,

I did not know Nathan but I do remember seeing his smiling face at Geneva. I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you.

Bill Sacks

July 24, 2006

Dear O'Neill family,



Words cannot begin to express the sorrow being felt by you and everyone over the loss of this member of your family. I am indeed quite saddened about this tragedy but realize now that Nathan is in eternal paradise and trust that in his short life he served the Lord quite faithfully. My thoughts, prayers, and sympathy are with you in this time of bereavement and sadness but I also can rejoice that he is with Christ. I knew Nathan as a casual friend from Geneva College and finished the same program of study with him at the same time and appreciated his Christian commitment and friendly and good-humored traits.

Rosanne Martyr

July 24, 2006

Nate was a wonderful person who wanted to see the kingdom of God here on earth. His desire to see economic reform in Latin America gave me hope that change was actually possible. He will continue to be an inspiration.

July 24, 2006

Dear Jay and Cindy, and family,



We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. May God keep you and comfort you.



Sincerely,



Byron and Sue Ann (Heitzenrater) Curtis

Geneva Class of 1976

Winchester RP Church, Summer of 1977

Geneva College Career Development

July 24, 2006

May the Lord gently hold & sustain your family during this time. Our community is grieving your loss.

Jennifer Kiefer

July 24, 2006

To the O'neill Family,

May God bring you comfort in this time of great pain and sorrow. We do not always know or understand the Lord's plans for our lives, but we know he holds us in his hands. Shalom.

Brandon Noll

July 23, 2006

Nathan was a compassionate and loving person, with a open heart and a good soul. The countless memories of so many laughs and smiles that Nathan shared with: me, Kent, Matt, and all of his friends, family, neighbors, and people that he shared this world with, will never be forgotten. A true friend, a kind soul, I will miss him dearly.

Kelsey O'Neill

July 23, 2006

Nathan, I am deeply sorry that I couldn't make it to Winchester to say goodbye to you. I wish we could have spent more time together.

Love, Kelsey

Linda (Allman) Lane

July 23, 2006

Jay and Cindy, I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers. You now have 2 guardian angels to watch over you from above. May God keep you under His wing and comfort you in the months and years to come. Love, (a voice from the past)Linda Allman Lane, Osawatomie, KS

lex graham

July 22, 2006

in my prayers. JOHN 14- CHRIST IS OUR COMFORTER

Julia Staver

July 22, 2006

Nate came to White Lake Camp for the first time last summer. He did physical labor most of the time he was there and was joyful in his work. There was never a hint of him not loving it, even though he wasn't getting paid. He was both a faithful servant of the camp, and of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jenny Evertz

July 21, 2006

For the two weeks that I knew Nate at White Lake, I knew him to be extremely friendly, helpful, fun, and most of all firm in his beliefs. It is sad for those of us left in this world to have lost him, but I thank God that your family is able to rejoice that he is in heaven now. My sympathy.

Sallie Meyer

July 21, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this tragic loss. God bless.

Tom & Sallie Meyer

Greg & Kristie Scrivner

July 21, 2006

Nathan was a young man of great potential. He is now celebrating in the presence of the King of kings. Our prayers are with the O'Neill family and with all his friends. He will be greatly missed.

Matt & Heidi Filbert

July 21, 2006

Jay, Cindy, Jason and Alex: You are in our prayers and thoughts. Nathan truly showed himself a diligent man of God and always demonstrated a spirit of love and service to Christ. His life testifies to the wonderful prayerful labors of his loving family and God's covenant promises.

Tina, Austin, Allison Gaspard

July 21, 2006

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Missy & Bryce Frakes * Levi & Tanner Darveaux

July 21, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time.

Corajean and Steve Smiley

July 21, 2006

We are praying for all of you, and our hearts go out to you. May God bless and sustain you.

Danielle Edgar

July 21, 2006

I am very sad to hear about the death of Nathan. I thank God that he is in heaven, in a better place. I pray for peace and comfort for his family at this difficult time. May the peace of God surround you all and comfort you all at this time. Love in Christ, Danielle ( I am RP from PGH)

David and Nancy Huston

July 21, 2006

Jay, Cindy, Jason and Alex:



We are so sorry for the brokenness you are feeling. We were only able to visit with Nathan a few times during his life. However, the Lord has provided a cloud of witnesses to give testimony of the faithfulness of Nathan and your family over the years. Our prayer is that your tears of sorrow turn to tears of joy knowing that Nathan is enjoying the ultimate provision from God being seated by Christ!



Love from the Ohio Hustons

David, Nancy, Curry, Grey, Taylor, Hayley, Brandt, Caden and Piper

Darlene & Macie Herrig * Cody, Hunter & Denver Bonnel

July 21, 2006

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Tom, Claudette & Matt Noll

July 21, 2006

Our prayers are with you and your family

Allen and Denise Locklin

July 21, 2006

His was a great kid and will be missed by all.

Jami & Brenna Kramer~ Tom, Tracey & Nicholas Funk

July 21, 2006

Our prayers are with your family during this most difficult time.

Ryan O'Neill

July 21, 2006

Good bye Nathan...sorry we could not spend more time together and now I am sorry that I am half a world away and can not say goodbye. The slightly shorter cousin, Ryan.

Susan O'Neill

July 21, 2006

Jay and Cindy - I cannot express the sorrow our family feels for you. I am so glad that Robert and Drew will be able to be with you. My thoughts are with you in the difficult months to come. Love, Robert, Sue, Ryan, Kelsey and Drew O'Neill

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