Date of Birth:
Monday, October 24, 1921
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Age:
95 years old

Clarence J. O’Neil

Clarence Joseph O’Neil, 95, died on December 10, 2016 at the Stewartville, MN Care Center. Clarence was born on the O’Neil family farm in rural Rochester Township on October 24, 1921 to Michael and Agnes O’Neil. The O’Neil family farm is now part of Rochester’s newest park called Gamehaven Park which also includes the city reservoir. Clarence was a very proud member of the United States Army Air Corps from September 29, 1942 until his honorable discharge on September 27, 1945. While in the military, Clarence was in the 390th bombardment group, 571st squadron. While on active duty in the European Theater, he flew on 25 missions over Germany as the Left Waist Gunner on a “Flying Fortress” B17 lovingly named the Pickle Dropper. Living through those 25 missions earned Clarence the coveted “Lucky Bastards” certificate! Clarence was the only member of a 10-man crew who was wounded, earning him a Purple Heart. He was also awarded the distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters by the command of General James Harold Doolittle. Clarence also maintained a diary of all of his 25 missions while in the European Theater.

While on leave from military duty, Clarence married his sweetheart, Margaret Mary Hrdlicka on December 6, 1944 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester. Following honorable discharge, Clarence and Margaret settled into Rochester and raised their 5 children who survive; Patricia Kiper, James O’Neil, Mary (Steve) Petersen, Barbara (Bob) Schei and Kevin O’Neil. Clarence and Margaret were also blessed with 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. The couple celebrated 71 years of marriage. In the early days of their marriage, Clarence attended night-school to receive his apprenticeship to become an electrician. After earning that apprenticeship, he then spent the majority of his career as an electrician for Forster Electric at the Mayo Clinic. He retired from Foster Electric in 1987 after 42 years with them. Clarence was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 70 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 92 for most of his adult life. Clarence was thrilled when his son Jim, and then Jim’s son Chris followed in his footsteps, becoming electricians.

For the last ten years of his life, one of Clarence’s favorite pastimes was attending and participating in the WWII Round Table discussions. While with that group, he was able to go on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. which he loved and greatly appreciated.

More recently, Clarence loved putting on small military exhibits along with talking about his time in the military with the residents of Stewartvilla, where he had resided until November of this year. He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret and all of his siblings: Michael “Ed”, Gerald, Arthur, Leo, and Mary.

Mass of Christian Burial will held on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 11:00AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church officiated by Msgr. Thomas Cook. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 in from 4:00pm until 7:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home along with one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery Rochester. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post 92 of Rochester. A special acknowledgement and a huge thank-you is extended to Bob Schei for all of his extra efforts, devotion, and loyalty to Clarence, especially in these last few years.

Macken Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com