James A. O'Neill

ONEILL

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/13/2008 at 19:46:02

FATHER O’NEILL
Of Parnell, Iowa Dies; Ill a Year

Rev. James A. O’ Neill, pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Parnell, Iowa, died Sunday at his home following an illness of more than a year. Father O’Neill, who was a member of the Davenport diocese, celebrated his first solemn high mass at St. Francis church here and remained in charge of the pastorate a short while. He was ordained in 1908 at Kendrick seminary, St. Louis, by the Most. Rev J.J. Glennon. Following his stay in Council Bluffs, he went to Davenport to become a teacher at St. Ambrose’s college, remaining eight years. Later he was assigned to Brooklyn, Iowa, for two years and from there went to Albia, where he remained 12 years. For the last five years he has been at Parnell.

Father O’ Neill is survived by two brothers: P.B. O’ Neill, who is head of the Pottawattamie County automobile license bureau and Joe of Avoca; two sisters: Sister Mary Rose Munda, B.V.M. of Des Moines and Miss Mary E. O’ Neill of Chicago.

Bishop H. P Rohlman will be celebrant at pontifical high mass Tuesday at 10 am at Parnell. The body will then be brought to Council Bluffs where it will lie in state at the home of his brother at 2203 Avenue D, Tuesday night and Wednesday morning until 7 o’clock when it will be removed to St. Francis church to remain until the hour of the funeral, Thursday at 10 am. Rev P.J. Danahey will celebrate requiem high mass. Burial will be in the family lot in St. Joseph’s cemetery beside the body of his brother, Rev. John F., who died in 1922.

Beem-Belford chapel is in charge of arrangements.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Council Bluffs Nonpareil