"My dearest brother Fran (O'D), I never understood where the name "Jack" entered in, but you were never Jack to me. You were just plain Fran or O'D. Being your youngest sibling, I always felt cheated that I didn't get to spend more time with you. There are not enough words to express what a monumental figure you were in our family, always loyal, always caring. You were the epitome of charm, neatness, order, discipline and bravery. You would have been revered by any of the old O'Donnell warriors and statesmen of Ireland. There are two sayings that come to mind when I think of you. One is, "It is better to be small and shine than to be great and cast a shadow." The other, "Great men never feel great. Small men never feel small." To me, you were the greatest and through your meekness, you shined brilliantly. Thanks for being my brother, my Hero. Your kid sister Bea"
In loving memory of
Francis C. O'Donnell
August 24, 1922 - November 8, 2011
Madison - Francis "Jack" Clarence O'Donnell, 89, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on November 8, 2011. At his request, a private service will be held for family members.
He was born in Whitewater, Wisconsin and was the son of John and Alma O'Donnell. He was married to his lovely wife Rita for over 60 years.
Sergeant First Class O'Donnell was a proud member of the U.S. Army for over 20 years, serving in WWII campaigns/battles which included North Africa-Moroccan, Tunisian, Sicilian, Normandy (landing on Omaha Beach), Northern France and Rhineland. Following WWII, he served on tour in Japan and Korea. He was a highly decorated soldier, but never wanted to be referred to as a "hero." He felt the real heroes are those who never make it home to their loved ones.
Following retirement from the Army, he worked for the Madison Public Library until his final retirement. Francis advocated for many causes through his life and always believed in sharing what you have with others in need. He enjoyed writing poetry and appreciated great writers. He liked to listen to big band music and sporting events on the radio, especially baseball. He had a clever sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke. He found pleasure in gardening and his roses and magnolia bushes, when in full bloom, were appreciated by his neighbors. He loved apple pie and ice cream which brought him comfort on good days and bad.
Francis was a quiet and humble man who loved his family. He is survived by his wife Rita, sister Beatrice, daughters Joyce (Glenn), Patricia, Janis (Doug), Laura, Catharine, and son James (Ann), along with seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and a good friend Andy. He was preceded in death by his sisters Margaret, Doris, Alma Jane and his brother Lawrence.
Thank you to the staff of Bloomfield Healthcare in Dodgeville for the care and kindness they provided and to the staff at Agrace Hospice Center in Madison for the dignity and grace given to him on the last days of a long journey. A special thank you to Pat Risch for her gentle heart and compassion, and her dog "Winnie" for providing him with many hours of happiness.
"Thanks for the memories...
Of sunny afternoons, fast one's playing tunes,
Of swinging bats and flying hats and goose eggs like balloons,
How lovely it was..."
We will miss you Daddy O'!
The family is requesting that all memorial donations be given to the Disabled Veterans Association at the following address:
DAV Memorial Program
P.O. Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
http://www.dav.org/donate/documents/DonateByMail.pdf
Tributes
"I have very fond memories of Jack. He was my boss in the technical services department of Madison Public Library. He was always kind, considerate and supportive - really a wonderful man. Yolanda Hayden"
"My sincere condolences to all the O'Donnells on the passing of Mr. O'Donnell. I remember the beautiful smile he had--could light up a room. To me he seemed the strong, silent, steady dad. The kind of dad who didn't embarrass his kids but you knew he was watching out for them. My very best wishes to you all."
"I am saddened to hear of Jack O'Donnell's passing and I extend my deepest sympathy to Rita and the O'Donnell family. I have not seen Jack for some time, but I remember him vividly as a man of quiet dignity who understood the physical and emotional price of military service. He defined "duty". Though it might seem inconsistent with his war experiences, Jack's poetry reflected the thoughtfulness and introspection of a man of peace. My thoughts and sympathy are with the O'Donnell family."