James W. O’Connell, age 83 of Roberts, passed away on December 12, 2011 at the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond.  Jim was born April 11, 1928 in Roberts WI to George and Mabel (Hyde) O’Connell.  Like many of his generation, James attended country school, and graduated from Roberts High School in 1946.  After high school, James worked the family farm.  He was united in marriage to Ruth Edna Johnston on August 23, 1952 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Hammond.  Their marriage was blessed with seven children.  Along with farming, Jim served on the Warren Town Board and St. Croix County Board.  He then served as the Registrar of Deeds for St. Croix County from 1973 until his retirement in 1994.  

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed golfing and playing cards.  He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers.  He treasured his time in Arizona where he and Ruth spent their winters.  He was a wonderful father and grandfather and cherished his time with his family. 

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 59 years, Ruth; children, Kit Bruesewitz and her husband, Myron of  Roberts, Jodell O’Connell and her husband, Rick Curran of Minneapolis, James O’Connell of Minneapolis, Carrie Lichtenberg and her husband, Jim of Minneapolis, and James Trowbridge of Scottsdale; grandchildren, John & Colin Bruesewitz and Greer & Maeve Lichtenberg; siblings, Peg McGregor and her husband, John, Jean Kapka, Pat O’Connell and his wife, Mickey; nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by daughter, Marybeth O. Trowbridge; sons, Tommy and John; and his parents.   

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond, with Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, December 16, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, and one hour prior to Mass at the church.  Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery of Hammond at a later date.  Funeral Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin (715) 386-3725.  www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com