Thomas Edward O'Connell

The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Thomas O'Connell. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on September 24, 2016.

Tom occupied an important place in the lives of hundreds of young 4-H members in La Crosse County during his ten years as the Extension agent there. This included me. Tom was unfailingly helpful and good-humored in all of his dealings with the often rambunctious and always chaotic world of 4-H. Years later it was a pleasure to connect with Tom again in Madison when my reporting assignments occasionally led me to his authoritative voice on agricultural issues. A gentleman and an all-round good guy. Rest in peace.

I worked with Tom at the Dane County Extension Office in Madison in the 1970s. He was a wonderful man. I still remember an office picnic we had at his farm on Old Sauk Road. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

Nyla (Bock) Musser I was an UW Extension Family Living Educator and met Tom when he was a 4-H Agent in Sparta, Agricultural Agent in La Crosse County. I was the Family Living Educator in Jackson County where he met the love of his life, our office Secretary Monica Byrns. Knowing Tom as a colleague and all of Monica's family has made us friends for about 60 years. I recall his sincere dedication for youth and the farming community. HIs wit and upbeat will never be forgotten. But the best tribute to Tom was when he was able to go on the Honor Flight. He was shocked, he told me that I would send him a letter for his mail call. Greatly appreciated. Thanks Tom for your Service in the Navy. Lou, my late husband, was a Security Specialist in the US Navy from 1956 to 1959, monitoring the Russians and then the Japanese. I know the two of them shared many stories. I also know that Tom and I share similar eye problems and shared those health concerns. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Good Bless a wonderful and thankful memory of Thomas Edward O'Connell. Nyla ( Bock) Musser