Richard "Richie" O'Donnell

Richard Daniel O’Donnell, 91, passed away February 18, 2025 in Wyoming, Michigan. Richie O was surrounded by his family, listening to “Green Green Grass of Home”. Richie was born on August 27, 1933 to parents Frank and Helen “Nellie” O’Donnell. He has gone to join his wife of 56 years, Teresa Janet (Gallagher), who preceded him in death. 

He was raised on the family farm on Beaver Island. He attended Saint James High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Janet. They graduated together in 1952. He then went to Chicago for work but was soon drafted with his twin brother, Ronnie, into the U.S. Army in 1953. Following basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky with the Special Training Regiment in the 509th Armored Field Artillery Battalion of the 3rd Armored Division, they were shipped overseas as part of the 512th Engineer Truck Company near the end of the Korean War. Richie rose to the level of Corporal and was responsible for the maintenance and dispatching for the fleet vehicles. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. He was separated from active duty on March 22, 1955 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and later Honorably Discharged. 

Richie returned stateside settling in Grand Rapids to be near Janet, the love of his life, who was attending Aquinas College. He began a long career as a route salesman where he made many lifelong friends from the entire West Michigan area. As a Teamster, he remained accident-free his entire 36 years working at Superior Linen, then Model Linen, later named Grantex Textile Company. 

Richie married Janet on July 5, 1958. They were the first couple to be married at Holy Cross Catholic Church's current downtown location after relocating from the country. They made their home in Wyoming, Michigan, raising six children. As a parishioner at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church, Richie was very active at both the church and school; as an usher, a sports booster, and a Knights of Columbus member. You would find him running the bingo, helping with paper drives, all the while attending many many of his children’s sporting events. 

He was an original member of the Beaver Island Club of Grand Rapids, hosting the first meeting at their home. The first party was held in 1966. Over the Club's 51 years in existence, they provided contributions to countless Beaver Island projects and organizations. 

Richie retired in 1993 and returned home to the Frank Danny Barney Homestead on Beaver Island. He and Janet became parishioners of Holy Cross Catholic Church. He cultivated parts of the old farmland and began raising pigs. Richie spoke fondly of his work alongside cousin Johnny Jewel Gillespie on the American Girl for ten years. Richie and Janet enjoyed spending many of their winters in Port Charlotte, Florida among other Beaver Islanders. After Janet’s passing, Richie remained on Beaver Island year round. 

Richie is survived by his Children, Diane (David) Westmaas of Allendale, Michael (Anne) O’Donnell of Traverse City, Judy (Michael) Crowell of Lake Saint Louis, MO, William (Kendra) O’Donnell, Barbara Flowers of Kentwood and Ronda (Curt) Alber of Rockford; Grandchildren, Charlie (Dezarae Loudin) Flipse, Kelly (Al) Krikke, Josh (Jaclyn), Heather and Ronnie O’Donnell, Olivia, Chrissy and Brendan Crowell, Lindsey and Megan O’Donnell, Brittney, Garritt, Kaleigh (David Phillips-Lynch), Colton, and Janessa Flowers; Great-grandchildren, Raeleigh DeVowe, Jordan and Ellie Krikke; Sisters Beverly (Gary) Cantwell of Beaver Island and Carol (Doug) Bunting of Charlevoix; his Sister-in-law, Eleanor McDonough of Charlevoix; Brother-in-law Bob Bass of Beaver Island along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A Wake will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025 at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, 209 State St., Charlevoix, MI 49720.  Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1003 Bridge St., Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Richie's final boat ride home will depart at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, from the Beaver Island Boat Company, 103 Bridge Park Dr., Charlevoix, MI 49720.  A graveside committal will take place upon the arrival of the boat at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 26369 Old Church Crest Rd., Beaver Island, MI 49782.  A Celebration Richie O's Life will immediately follow the committal on May 23, 2025.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Ronald “Ronnie”, younger brother Charles, and sister Margaret “Muggs” Bass; and In-Laws Glen McDonough, Alex “Gus” Walgus, Brian and Dee Gallagher; as well as his Granddaughters Bailey Lott-O’Donnell and Nadia Flowers. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery (https://www.holycrossbeaverisland.com/cemetery-info), Amvets Post 46 (Amvetspost46.org), or a charity of your choice. Richie was part of a small group of Veterans instrumental in establishing this Post on Beaver Island.   

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com