Richard R. "Rick" O'Neill

Rick O’Neill, 79, of Appleton WI died November 29, 2018 with his family by his side. Rick was born in Chicago, IL July 22, 1939 to Ralph and Genevieve O’Neill, Rick grew up in Oconto Falls, WI. After high school, he was offered the opportunity to play football at UW-Madison, but instead chose a more lucrative multi-sport scholarship at Lake Forest College, completing his Bachelor of Business Administration degree while lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. Rick was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Following college, Rick took a position at the State Farm Insurance home office in Bloomington, IL. His desire to pursue a career in sales led him to Appleton, WI first as a State Farm agent and ultimately as an independent agent. He eventually merged with the Buxton Agency to form Buxton-O’Neill Insurance, a well-respected independent agency for more than 30 years. Rick welcomed leadership roles as an active member and officer of the Wisconsin Independent Insurance
Agent Association.

Rick’s dedication to athletics continued throughout his life. He taught and coached Little League, Babe Ruth, High School and Semi-Professional baseball. For 25 years, he officiated middle school, high school and college basketball and was especially honored to referee several WIAA State basketball tournaments. His favorite officiating memories included courtside bantering with coaches such as Dick Bennett & Bo Ryan, and partnering with his best friend, Gordy Bass. Rick was inducted into the Fox Cities’ Officials’ Association Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Oconto Falls High School Wall (professional & athletics) of Fame in 2016.

A lifelong Green Bay Packers and University of Wisconsin fan, Rick wore Badger red at every opportunity. He loved to travel, favorite destinations being Ireland, Disney World, St. Pete’s Beach and Jamaica, and chronicled each trip in detail with photo scrapbooks. He also documented his grandchildren’s lives and sporting accomplishments through innumerable “grandkids books.” Rick’s most cherished time was spent with family and friends, particularly at his beloved Boulder Lake cottage where he reminded us all that, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Rick is survived by his caring wife of 59 years, Sandy (Carey); his devoted children Kerry (DeAnna) O’Neill, Erin (Doug) Mielke, and Kelly (Steve) Lagman; his ultimate pride and joy grandchildren, Jenna Leigh (Chris) Hewson, Taylor Jean Helf, Patrick Richard (Bailey) Lagman, Connor Steven Lagman, Troy Douglas Mielke and great grandson, Will Hewson; his dedicated siblings Jerry (Betty) O’Neill, Irene (Tom) Sorensen, and Mary (Jim) Cramer; three sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews who adored Uncle Rick.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday December 9, 2018 at The Fox Club, Timber Rattlers Stadium, 2400 Casaloma Drive, Appleton from 3:00-6:00 pm. A short memorial presentation will begin at 4:30 pm. Badgers, Packers, or favorite sports team attire encouraged.

The family would like to express sincere thanks for the compassionate care provided by Parkview Health Center staff including Pat, Krystal, Missy, Carlyn, Kaylie, Anna, Amanda and especially granddaughter, Taylor, who oversaw her Papa’s care for 2½ years. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Fox Valley Memory Project, 1800 Appleton Rd Menasha, WI 54952 or online at www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.