Esther "Jo" O'Neil

Esther “Jo” O’Neil, 92 of Aitkin passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Aitkin Health Services.  She was born April 30, 1931 in La Crosse, WI. to Earl and Esther (Beeler) Johnson.  She grew up in La Crosse and graduated from Login High School.  Jo met the love of her life, William “Bill” O’Neil and they were united in marriage March 22, 1952 in Cresco, IA.  They raised their family in Andover and Isanti, then retired to the Aitkin area where Bill’s family was from.  Jo started a sewing business, “Decorator Sewing”, which for 25 years, her and Bill traveled to many craft shows and met many wonderful people and made many crafter friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years Bill O’Neil, son Michael O’Neil, grandson Jim O’Neil, parents: Earl and Esther Johnson, brothers: Walter Johnson of La Crosse, Ralph Johnson of Saint Paul, sister Audrey Hancock of Kentucky.

Jo is survived by sons: Steve O’Neil (Terri) of Brainerd

Dan O’Neil (Peggy) of Brainerd

Daughters: Roxanne Shimek (Dean) of Aitkin

Tammy Gage (Sean) of Faribault

Mary O’Neil of Hastings

18 grandchildren, many great grandchildren,

Brother Nelson Johnson of OR.

Sister Mary Martinson of OR.

Sister-in-law Deloris Johnson of WI.

Brother-in-law Jerry Palm of WA.

Many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who mourn her passing.

A celebration of Jo’s life will be 1:00pm – Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the United Methodist Church – Pine Lake Chapel, Aitkin-Cutler area.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Following the service at the church Join Jo’s family at the Hazelton Town Hall for refreshments and fellowship.  Sorensen- Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services assisted Jo’s family with arrangements.  To leave a message of condolence go to www.srtfuneral.com

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