John E. O’Neil, age 77, of Sun Valley, CA, formerly of Maple Lake, died March 21, 2024, in Sun Valley, CA where he resided the last 2 years.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery, East Maple Lake with Fr. Magner as the celebrant.
John Edward O’Neil was born in St. Cloud, to John C. and Celia (Doherty) O’Neil on December 7, 1946. John was a lifelong resident of Maple Lake, where he leaves behind a legacy of good times and kindness. John graduated from Maple Lake High School with the class of 1964. He worked 14 years for United States Postal Service in Minneapolis, in addition to his postal work, John also found joy in entrepreneurship, collaborating with his close friend Denny Larson to create a screen-printing business D.J. Sports Screening, printing t-shirts for local businesses, schools, various leagues, and baseball teams. His entrepreneurial spirit and passion for creating brought innovation and creativity to the community.
In his youth, John had a deep love for the outdoors, enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, playing softball, and following the Maple Lake amateur baseball and other various sports teams. He held a special pride in his Irish heritage, even traveling to Ireland to enjoy the rich culture and tradition. His travels led him to the Blarney stone, where he was able to kiss the stone. John’s passion for cooking was evident to all who knew him, as he savored the flavors of good food and shared his culinary creations with friends.
John’s love for life and infectious spirit enriched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though John has left this earthly realm, his memory will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration to those whose lives he touched. May he rest in eternal peace, forever remembered, and deeply missed.
John is survived by his sister Mary O’Neil of Sun Valley, CA, and numerous friends from Maple Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents, John C. and Celia; and sister Patricia O’Neil. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary and Guestbook online at www.dingmannfuneral.com