×

Harold ‘Spike’ O’Connell

GLADSTONE — Harold “Spike” O’Connell, age 91, of Gladstone passed away at home on Saturday, October 16, 2021.

Spike was born February 21, 1930, in Escanaba, the son of William and Anne (Kahl) O’Connell. He graduated from the Escanaba High School in 1948. Following graduation, he served his country in the United States Navy. Spike married Mary Berglund on July 2, 1955, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba.

Dad was proud to be the coach of the St. Patrick’s boys basketball team for numerous years and carried that love of coaching over to his granddaughter, Jennifer’s basketball team. Dad was also instrumental is starting up the Fuzz Buster games in the Gladstone School District.

Dad and Mom owned small neighborhood businesses, the Norway Pines Motel and Spike’s Mini Mart, and still found time to enjoy their cottage on Garth Point and later in years, their small camp on the Escanaba River.

Dad was incredibly proud to be an Irishman. He looked forward each year to dressing up in his fancy Leprechaun suit to honor St. Patty’s Day; however, if he had other opportunities to wear it, he did… being a hit when he wore that same suit to speak at his granddaughter’s elementary class.

Dad is survived by his children, Cindy (Bruce) Collins of Gladstone, Cheryl (Steve) Corden of Rapid River and Mike O’Connell of Escanaba; grandchildren, Taylor, Rachel, Matthew, Erica, Jen, Brandon, Trisha, Michelle, Chris, Janice, Morgan, Brett and Katie; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Mason, Kai, Tinsley, Bryce, Braelyn, Isabel, Milo, William and Niko; brother, Ed O’Connell of Mission, Texas; sister, Marilyn Gustafson of Escanaba, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; his son, Pat, and infant son, Martin Charles; grandsons, Jerry and Mitch Collins; great-grandson, Cameron Delveaux; brothers, Bill and George; and a sister, Anne Fisher.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 20 from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military honors will be presented at 2:45 p.m. by the Gladstone American Legion Post 71. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. with Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating.

Our family would like to send out a special acknowledgement and thank you to UP Health System Home Care and Hospice. The nurses and aides were exceptional and truly brightened our father’s life during this past 13 months while also providing so much love and support to the rest of the family. And, to Northwoods Home Care and Hospice who provided respite services. Thank you for the flexibility of coverage and the loving care the aides gave to our father. You are all such beautiful, wonderful people.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.