David G. O'Connell

Bridgeport, MI

Passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at his home with family by his side; age 85 years. David was born on June 25, 1939 in Owendale, MI to the late John and Leah O'Connell. He was married to Julie Kren on December 20, 1986; she survives him.

David honorably served in the United States Air Force and was a proud Veteran. He was employed for 30 years at General Motors, retiring as a production foreman. David was a longstanding board member of the Richville Conservation Club, founding member of the Gera Old Tractor Club, and was a member of Bridgeport Community Church. He actively coached all six children in their sports interests and took great joy in following his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's activities. David was proud of his Irish heritage and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan… a shareholder in the team.

Surviving besides his wife Julie are his children David II (Shelley) O'Connell of Brighton, Timothy (Veronica) O'Connell of Birch Run, John (Bonnie) O'Connell of Birch Run, Pamela (Jeffrey) Mossner of Frankenmuth, Lauren O'Connell of Bridgeport, and daughter-in-law Lindsay Breternitz; grandchildren Jason O'Connell, Krista O'Connell, John O'Connell, Milena Carter, Andrew O'Connell, Kaitlin O'Connell, McCauley Cameron, Madison Sahr, and Leah O'Connell; great-grandchildren Paige, JP, Eden, JJ, Halle, Laith, Kennedy, and Faith; great-great-grandson Foster; father-in-law Thomas Kren; special sister-in-law, Kathleen White, who gave the Gift of Life 18 years ago as a kidney donor, allowing David to experience grandchildren's graduations, marriages, and the birth of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. A blessed life. David leaves many other extended family members and friends.

David was preceded in death by son Daniel Thomas, parents John and Leah O'Connell, sister and brother-in-law Olive and Gerald Nicholas, and mother-in-law June Kren.

Funeral service will take place on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. Frankenmuth, MI. Rev. Mike Kern will officiate. Private burial will take place at a later date in Great Lakes National Cemetery. David's family will receive visitors on Monday at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Gift of Life or Wounded Warrior Project.