Jody Ann (Thompson) O’Neil went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 25th, 2017 due to complications of Multiple Myeloma. She passed away at home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on May 24th, 1951 in Viroqua, WI, to Agrim and Carol (Fleming) Thompson. Jody lived in DeSoto, WI and then Victory, WI where she attended a one room school house until the age of eight. Her family then moved to Viroqua where she lived until her high school graduation in 1969. She attended one year of college at UW-LaCrosse.
From 1970 to 1978, Jody was married to James Tatzel. During this time, they moved to Beaver Dam and were blessed with two daughters, Wendy Michelle and Jenny Ann. From 1982 to 1994,Jody was married to Steven LeCoultre.
James Edward O’Neil became Jody’s husband on December 27th, 2002. She happily became a step-mother to his children Maureen and Eric. This union created the close, loving family she has today.
Jody worked in the office of Consultant Physicians in Pathology from 1978 until 1984. From1984 to 1997, she managed the Wayland Academy bookstore. She loved working with the students and playing Mom to many of them who were living away from home. Jody considered her unofficial title as “The Bookstore Lady” quite an honor. Later she also worked at the Lutheran Social Services youth shelter.
Jody was involved in Beaver Dam Community Theatre where she worked back stage and appeared in a few shows. Her planning and organizational skills, along with her eye for detail, led her to find her niche as a wedding coordinator. She was great at working with couples to ensure their day was exactly what they wanted and everything ran smoothly.
You couldn’t have found a more open person when it came to discussing her sometimes tough life experiences. She considered her struggles a gift as it opened the door for her to console and help others. People were inspired by her candor, wit and perseverance. Photography was a comfort for her. Jody felt looking through the lens was not only capturing a “never to occur in just the same way” moment, but it was etching a memory in her mind.
Jody never shied away from hard work. She loved gardening and created a beautiful berm of flowers in her backyard. She was generous and always giving of herself to help others. She was a dear friend to many and enjoyed chatting with them for hours.
Her children, step-children and grandchildren were a tremendous source of joy for her and she felt truly blessed. She created special memories with each of her four grandchildren.
Jody is survived by her husband Jim, daughters Wendy (Mike) Rhodes and Jenny (Justin) Schieffer, step-children Maureen (Jon) Miner and Eric O’Neil, grandchildren Emily and Kaden Rhodes and Nicole and Bryce Schieffer, brothers Gary, Larry and Gregg (Jill) Thompson, brothers-in-law Tom, Mike, and Jerome (Denise) O’Neil, and a sister-in-law Kathy Sendek. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents Agrim and Carol Thompson, Jim’s parents Lester and Dorothy O’Neil, sister-in-law Patricia (Peggy) Steinbach, and brother-in-law Gary Sendek.
A memorial service will be held at Heartland Church, 800 Wilburn Rd, Sun Prairie, WI on Sunday, August 6, 2017. Visitation is 1-4 pm with a service at 4 pm, followed by a meal.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be made out to Hillside Hospice or Heartland Church.
Jody wants to thank everyone who touched her life and accepted her for who she was. She has requested these final words be offered to you: “Please don‘t travel your earthly journey alone. Others will hurt you along the way, but we all have a Heavenly Father who loves us no matter what. Just ask Him to come into your life and then LIVE through Him. The One who made us has a place prepared for us if we only believe. By the grace of God, I’m there”.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com
