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Kevin O'Connell Obituary

KEVIN D. O'CONNELL, 13 POPLAR GROVE - Future professional baseball player, Kevin O'Connell, 13, died unexpectedly Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in SwedishAmerican Hospital, in Belvidere, surrounded by his loving family, his eight-year battle with leukemia and graft-versus-host disease finally over. Kevin was an incredible boy. He had an enthusiasm for life that few people create. He loved his family most of all. His friendship with Bennett went beyond brothers. They shared Bennett's stem cells. On two separate occasions, Ben endured the procedure to harvest his stem cells so that Kevin could live. He was rewarded with six wonderful extra years with a brother he will never forget. Kevin always made sure Ben knew how much he appreciated the gift of life Ben gave him. Second only to his family was his love of the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. Kevin loved being active and athletic. His dad, Glenn, taught him how to fish before he was two years old, and Kevin loved the sport ever since. He could catch a fish when no one else could even get a bump. He loved fishing near his home in Candlewick Lake, and up north at Lac Vieux Dessert. Over the years he landed hundreds of beautiful bass and northern pike. He also loved to catch panfish and have a fish fry. Glenn would filet the crappie, blue gill and perch Kevin and Bennett caught, and Kevin's mom, Jenni, would fry them in Kevin's favorite breading. It's hard to say if Kevin loved one sport more than the other, but baseball could possibly have edged out basketball and football by a hair, at least for his own pleasure playing the sport. He first played baseball at the Belvidere Park District, then four years with Belvidere Youth Baseball, where he met many great players and coaches. For the past two years he played with his best friends, JP, Chase, Austin and Jake on the PunkDogs. He was a natural at second base and could hit the ball hard. He had great coaches like Phil Pawlowski, who treated him with respect and taught him a love of the game. In the past two years Kevin started bowling competitively. He bowled in leagues at Concordia and Dodge Lanes, both in Belvidere. He also joined the Middle School League sponsored by Concordia. He was serious about his technique and would undoubtedly have excelled at bowling too. Kevin was an eighth grader at Belvidere Central Middle School, where he had so many friends he couldn't count them. Kevin was a great student. Last year, in seventh grade, he was named "Trailblazer" of the year. Mr. Lane and all the Trailblazer teachers made a lasting impression on Kevin. This year, although he was only able to attend a few weeks of school he was lucky to have a great homebound teacher, Matt Zilm. Matt did something not even Kevin's mom could, he got Kevin interested in reading. Kevin was reading "The Outsiders" with Mr. Zilm. He talked a lot about how much he liked that book. Kevin had a special extended family. His paternal grandparents, Granny Pat and Bubba Chuck, lived across the street from him and he visited regularly. He loved to party with them for no special reason. His cousin Ryan considered Kevin like a brother. There was never a dull moment at Aunt Colleen and Uncle Ernie's with five active kids. Niko, who was just six weeks younger than Kevin, Sabrina, Reagan, Brittany and Cody. On his mom's side, Kevin had two more special cousins, David and Emily. Kevin looked forward to their visits together. He especially liked going to their house where his Aunt Mary and Uncle Brian would spoil him with anything he wanted. No request went unfulfilled. Kevin was equally loved by his maternal grandparents, Gramma Donna and Bubba Ed. Kevin is survived by parents, Glenn and Jenni (Long) O'Connell; brothers, Bennett and Sean; paternal grandparents, Charles and Patricia (Douglas) O'Connell Sr.; maternal grandparents, Edward and Donna (Sheehan) Long Sr.; aunts and uncles, Colleen (Ernie) Argaez, Charles (Michele) O'Connell Jr., Mary (Brian) Dahowski, Edward (Lacey) Long and Kathy (Bill) Lipinski; cousins, Ryan, David, Emily, Niko, Sabrina, Reagan, Brittany and Cody; and best friends, JP, Chase, Jake and Austin. Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, in St. James Catholic Church, 514 Caswell St., Belvidere, with the Rev. Brian Geary celebrating. Prayers at 10 a.m. Wednesday, in Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere. Visitation from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, in the funeral home, with scripture service at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the At Bat Foundation, in care of Alpine Bank, P.O. Box 6086, Rockford, IL 61125-1086, that Kevin created, in his memory. To light a candle or to share a memory, please visit buckwheelerhyland.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Nov. 24 to Nov. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin O'Connell

Not sure what to say?





Betty Gosnell

December 1, 2009

Hi Glenn and Jenni,
I was so sorry to hear about Kevin.You will be in my prayers.Take care and God Bless You Always.

November 28, 2009

Dear Glenn and Jenni,
We are deeply saddened by your tremendous loss.Our thoughts go out to your family during this painful time. Be well. Tom, Cathy, Jake and Hannah Davis

Russ & Amanda Nelson

November 27, 2009

Dear Jenni and family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I never had the chance to meet Kevin, but the pride and love with which you spoke of him was truly special. You will always be his champion.

Sincerely,

Jeanette Allen

November 26, 2009

Dear Glenn and Jenni,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful time. I cannot even imagine what you must be going through. Kevin was blessed to have such loving parents, please take care of yourselves. God Bless, Jeanette Allen and family

Maria & Rich Ciesla

November 26, 2009

Dear Glenn, Jenni, Sons, Pat, Chuck, & Family,

We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious Kevin. We held him and you in our hearts as we heard each update, and we continue to do so now.

Tony, Jennifer and Jenna Corso

November 25, 2009

Dear Glenn and Jenni,

We are so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you.

Patty Gilboy-Mueller

November 25, 2009

Dear Glen, Jenni and Family. I am TERRIBLY sorry for your loss. I know words can't heal your pain, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you the strength to carry on through this tragedy. And know Kevin is safe at home in Heaven.

Love Always and God Bless,
Patty (Gilboy) Mueller

Jean-Maura Davis

November 25, 2009

Dear Jenni and Family,

I am heartbroken to hear of the the sudden death of your beloved Kevin. I pray you find the strength to endure in the love and comfort of your family and friends. Kevin touched many people's lives and I know those cherished memories will be with you always.

My sincere sympathy,

November 25, 2009

Dear O'Connell family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with Kevin and all of his family and friends.
Chris Davis, Manhattan IL

November 25, 2009

Our family extends our sympathy to you and your family.
Glenn and his dad helped us with our yard for many years. We have always thought of them fondly.
You are in our prayers.
Tom and Maureen Smith

Sarah Egan Melaniphy

November 25, 2009

Dear O'Connell Family,

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family during this time. I lived on McAlpin with your family and have seen colleen and your mother and father since you moved away. You might not remember me, my prayers are with you.

November 25, 2009

Dear O'Connell Family-
My heart goes out to you today and through the many days to follow......
Sincerely,
Joanne O'Grady Dunderdale

November 25, 2009

Dear Glenn and Jenni,

We are so extremely saddened by your loss. Jenni, you are always helping other children "find their way" and reaching out to them - that's a gift in itself and I know your son was very proud of you. You and your family are in our prayers. He is at peace with the Lord and can rest now.

Bill, Dawn, JC and Elizabeth Bouttote

Seán Ó Conaill

November 25, 2009

Dear Glenn & Jenni,
very sorry for your loss as informed by Michael O' Connell.
Seán Ó Conaill, Dublin, Ireland

November 25, 2009

Glenn & Jenni,

You and your family are in my prayers during this most difficult time in your life.
I was sadden to hear that he had went home to God so early in life from my dad!
My heart goes out to you all!

Jayne Phoenix

November 24, 2009

I am so sorry about your loss. Kevin probably wouldn't remember me but i went to Tracey's with him and Bennett. He was a great kid and we give you our sympathy and prayers, and Ben John and I will always be there. I know it may seem weird talking to a girl about this but you can and feel free.Once again our sympathy and prayers are with you.

Deanna,Noelle,Lukas,andJacob Nespor

November 24, 2009

Dear Glenn,Jenni,Ben and Shaun
Always wishing you happy days to follow and hold tight to those beautiful memories. You are in our prayers

Always going to fish and everytime you will be in my heart. i love you kevin.

Jacob Nespor

November 24, 2009

my aunt lived by him many years ago and i could just remember playing in the sand box with him or playing baseball.. he was such a good friend and even during this summer we would have all our friends together and he would be right there with us catching all the big fish and we were always so glad to see him happy... He was such a joy and i just loved being with him.. he was a great friend and i will very very much miss him. And ben ill always and i mean always be there for you so whenever you need me or wanna do something im right around the corner.

November 24, 2009

Dear Glenn and Jenni. Although we don't know you or didn't know Kevin we are very sad to hear of his untimely passing from Michael O'Connell. Please accept our sincere condolences. Seamus and Carol O'Connell, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Mariann Davis-Mangun

November 24, 2009

Dear Jenni & Family,
Mary Beth Walsh shared the news of Kevin's passing. My heart aches for you. Even though I cannot be there, my thoughts and prayers are with you, just as Kevin's memory will be with you always.
Love from your cousin,

Chuck and Dawn Corso

November 24, 2009

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

Tony, Susy & Andrea Campos

November 24, 2009

Glenn and Jenni,
We are deeply saddened by your loss; may the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
You are in our prayers.

Jill Rechtien Marshall

November 24, 2009

Glenn,

I don't know if you'll remember me but I just heard about Kevin's passing and wanted to express my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Bonnie & Michael O'Connell

November 24, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

November 24, 2009

Glenn and Family,

Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I am certain that Kevin was shown so much love by his entire family and all of his friends. Here are a few lines from a prayer that once heard -
"I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever"

Kevin will always be with you...

Tracy Radzik - Murdach
(Glenn's SMOW Class of 1984 classmate)

Bob and Melissa McGuffin

November 24, 2009

Glenn, Jenni, Ben and Sean, we wish you strength and courage to face the days ahead. You have been Kevin's strength for so long now it's his turn to watch over you. God bless.

Jonna Holt

November 24, 2009

Jenni and family,

I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my prayers as well.

With deepest sympathy.

Jim and Jeannie Joseph

November 24, 2009

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

Judy Falesch (Cechure)

November 24, 2009

May you all find the strength to endure this difficult time of sorow and count on your family and frieds for support and love. You all are in my prayers.

Jill Benson-Cunningham

November 24, 2009

Glenn and Jenni,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My heart aches for you. I just heard the news from Katie Dobzyn-McCormack. I will be thinking and praying for you and your family.

Donna and Kevin Thomas

November 24, 2009

God bless Kevin and his family.

Gary, Valerie & Jeremy Alt

November 24, 2009

Dear Glenn & Jenni,
Our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Debby Ribando

November 24, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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