Thomas J. O'Connell, 84, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his home in Grand Forks.

Thomas John O'Connell was born on January 3, 1940, in Langdon, ND, the son of Thomas B. and Adelaura (Lizakowski) O'Connell.  He was raised in Grafton, ND and graduated from Grafton High School in 1957. He furthered his education and graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Music and in 1965 with his Master's in Music Education.

Thomas married Peggy Lou Iverson on June 14, 1958 (Flag Day) at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND.  They lived in Grand Forks until moving to Harvey, ND, Bismarck, ND and Washburn, ND.  They returned to Grand Forks in 1989.  He taught music in Bismarck at St. Mary's and the US Job Corp, Washburn High School and Northwood High School. Thomas owned and operated O'Connell Plumbing in Washburn and was employed at Lunseth Plumbing & Heating in Grand Forks.

Thomas was a longtime member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was an avid wood carver and painter.

He is survived by his children, Barbara Martin, Emerado, ND, Daniel (Barb) O'Connell, Williams, MN, Patricia (Austin) McCracken, Davenport, IA and William (Cassie Scheving) O'Connell, Grand Forks, ND; son-in-law Kenneth Dionne, East Grand Forks, MN; brother, William (Anne VanCamp) O'Connell; brother-in-law Donald (Mary Loyland) Berntsen; grandchildren, Nicole O'Connell, Haley Dionne, Rebecca Martin, Joseph (Natalie) Martin, Elijah (Olivia) McCracken, Noah McCracken, Wrigley O'Connell and Hazel O'Connell; Great Grandchildren Josilyn O'Connell and Eve Martin.

He was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Erin Dionne; son-in-law, Steve Martin; his parents; sister, Patricia Berntsen; mother-in-law, Pearl (Monson) Iverson, father-in-law, Iver Iverson.

Memorials are preferred to St. Michael's Catholic Church, 524 N 5th St, Grand Forks, ND 58203, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the charity of your choice.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Saturday.
Burial :  11:30 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2024, at Riverview Cemetery, Washburn, ND.