Walter J. O'Connell

Survived by Loving wife on 60 years, Fern, and 2 daughters - Cathie Newton (Dennis) and Sandra Tekavec (Dan), 4 grandchildren and 7 great grand children, 1 brother Robert, also survived by many nieces, nephews and many friends. Proceeded in death by 1st wife Doris Hicks O’Connell.

After graduating from North High School in Denver 1943, he was drafted in Military Service with the Army, during World War II. Served at several camps and bases in the states before going overseas in Pacific area, on the Island of Saipan, in the Marianna Islands.

In 1945 he married his Jr. High school sweetheart Doris Hicks. She passed away in 1949 leaving Walt with 2 small girls, Cathie and Sandra.

In 1952 he and his 2 girls met and married Fern Steelsmith in Denver. That was the start of a wonderful marriage, raising those 2 little girls to fine ladies they are today.

Walt was employed by the State of Colorado for 30 years until his retirement in 1980.

For 36 or more years Walt was a musician. He played with several local dance bands as a drummer and a vocalist. He enjoyed his musical career so much, entertaining and bringing music into others lives.

He was a member of Highlands Masonic Lodge # 86 AF and AM. He was a Past Patron of Fern Chapter # 94, Order of the Eastern Star.

Walt served many years of the Election Commission for Heather Gardens, The community where and Fern lived.

His great wish was to see the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.. In person he was a Charter Member of that Memorial. That wish became a reality July 2008 thanks to Rocky Mountain Honor Flight.

His greatest love and joy in life was his family, he was so proud of each and every one of them.

Contributions can be made to the following:

Rocky Mountain Honor Flight – PO Box 440864 Aurora Colorado 80044

Exempla Lutheran Hospice at Collier Hospice Center – 3210 Lutheran Parkway Wheat Ridge Co 80033