"Over the last ten years or so we came to know, enjoy, appreciate and care deeply for "The Old Hippie," who always had a snappy comeback--or opening salvo--when we were in the shop. Some of our most treasured instruments, ones that travel with us nearly everywhere, came from John. Prime among them is Bettie's astounding octave violin (made in Des Moines in 1878 and now known from coast to coast as "Fidzilla"). More than the instruments, John's spirit goes with us every time one of them comes out to play. Here's to a life well-lived, music well-played and a soul well-remembered. Rock on forever, Brother, and thanks fore the memories. DAN PEASE & BETTIE SWARTS"
In loving memory of
John Patrick O'Connell
May 2, 1951 - March 21, 2018
John Patrick O'Connell, 66, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 26, 2018 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care, 302 S. 2nd Street in Polk City, Iowa. A celebration of life service will follow the visitation and begin at 7:00 p.m. A time of fellowship will follow his services. Burial at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, Iowa will be held at a later date.
John was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 2, 1951 to James and Mary (McIlhon) O'Connell. He grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Dowling High School with the class of 1969. John being a hippie and a free spirit relocated to Boulder, Colorado after school. He then returned to Iowa after a short stay where he met and married Susan Chance. The couple had a daughter (Shannon) together, but were later divorced. In 1983 John then married Connie Milne, and the couple resided in Des Moines where John opened his first guitar shop, Last Chance Guitars which later became Crazy Horse Guitars. Music was a huge part of John's life, his shop became a hang out for all types of musicians, young and old alike. For Johns close friends Saturdays had became known as the "AARP Club" where they enjoyed coffee, jammin' and lively conversation. John enjoyed hosting concerts in support of local talent. He could play a variety of instruments and had a great ear for music, and had recently taught himself to play the piano. Over the years, John was a part of many different bands including Hybrid Pig, Still Morning, and more recently Young Guns. John had always been a part of the hippie movement and a strong advocate for the legalization of marijuana. He also enjoyed watching sci-fi shows as well as the news channels and had a strong and heartfelt opinion about our current political atmosphere.
Those left in the band to play on without John; are his children Shannon O'Connell of Des Moines, IA, Shellie (Jeff) Smaha of Johnston, IA, and Laura (Rob) Shetler of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren Chelsea, Kristine, Josh (Amber), Amber, Ryan, Tyler, Shavaughn, Kaylee, and Nadia; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings Mary Kay Edgerton of Denver, CO, James O'Connell of Seattle, WA, Daniel (Yvonne) O'Connell of Oceanside, CA, Patricia (Wayne) Koreyasu of Seattle, WA, Kevin O'Connell of Des Moines, IA, and Joseph (Janice) O'Connell of Vista, CA; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Mary Ethel O'Connell, wife Connie O'Connell, and brother's Michael and Thomas O'Connell.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care in Polk City has been entrusted with the care of John and his family.
Tributes
"Patty and family, So sorry to hear about your brother John. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Mary (aka Maria) Comito Grace and Tony's daughter"
"I was one of John's hippie buddies in Boulder. Shared many fine times. He was a year younger than me and it makes me realize how lucky I am and how precious life is."
"My mom and I walked into Crazy Horse with an old guitar we wanted to sell. John was the one who played it and showed us the work that would need to be done. He was genuinely honest and caring with that guitar and with us. I wish I would have known him better. We will always remember him. Natural hippie. May he rest in peace."
"i stopped by crazy horse this afternoon and a business neighbor told me of john's passing and i'm still in a state of disbelief. i've known john since first grade at st. augustin. we were altarboys; boy scouts; went to the "old" dowling. our paths went different ways but, we reconnected some time ago. to me john was someone you don't often know who "sets-a-course" and never looks back. he was a genuine artist. most know of his musical genius but, years ago he carved beautiful scrimshaw. the "creative community" has truly lost a "soul". to me if there is any solace john is at a better place where the president's (if there is a president) name doesn't begin with "t" and "green" isn't necessarily reserved for the irish. my thoughts and prayers are with his family and closest of friends. sincerely, john s.chambers"
"John was a great man and a great friend. He was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. I knew John for over 25 years and bought a ton of guitars, amps & other music related gear from him. I will miss his humor, his laughter, and his skill at every instrument he ever picked up. He was a natural talent and inspired many many people over his lifetime of music. I will miss him eternally until I sit by his side once again in that great stage in the heavens. John may have physically left us, but he will never leave my heart. Agreat guy, a great friend, and one of the best friends who helped me to carry on after the loss of my own brother. I considered him a brother too. Rest easy John. You will never be forgotten.."
"John and my father began jamming as teens at my grandpas house. Every time I went into the store he had to tell the grain belt beer story that got my father busted and ended these jam sessions. John always treated me like family even knowing I was pretty much only good for a pack of guitar strings. There was something just so open and free about his spirit that even a pack of strings turned into a two hour jam session. Just 10 days ago we spent a few hours talking and playing together. He would always show me his latest finds or rock out a vintage amp for me. I have said this before and I will say it again. Every time I need a new set of strings a tear will form for me. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. I will see you in heaven buddy I love you"
"My deepest sympathy for the O'Connell family and all of his dear friends. We shared a few laughs when he helped me pick out my first ukulele....a sweet memory. RIP John"
"So sorry for the loss of your brother, John. The Harvey's are keeping the O'Connell family in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all. "