Michael Leo O’Neal, 75, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away Friday, March 9, 2018, at a Sioux City, Iowa, hospital.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cherokee. The Rev. Cris Decious will officiate. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea at a later date. Visitation was from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cherokee. Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home in Cherokee is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com.

Michael Leo O’Neal, the son of Leo E. and Bernice M. (Gilbertson) O’Neal, was born Oct. 16, 1942, in Albert Lea. His childhood years were spent in Faribault and Albert Lea, where he received his education and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1960.

After school Michael enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for three years. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, on the U.S.S. Wasp. Following his honorable discharge, he was employed by Wilson & Co. Foods.

On Nov. 13, 1965, he was united in marriage to Judy Holway. After their honeymoon, they transferred to Cherokee, Iowa, where he worked at Wilson & Co. for 42 years, retiring in 2004.

Michael was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cherokee. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada, family vacations — Walt Disney World and skiing in Colorado and Seattle. He also enjoyed many adventures with the Gillease Street friends. In the early ’90s, he got his pilot license and was part owner of his airplane, Sally, “the good ol’ girl.” He spent five years wintering in South Padre, Texas, and liked to camp. Most of all, he enjoyed the many years of joy being with kids and grandkids and attending their activities and sporting events. He made so many great memories with his family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo E. and Bernice M. O’Neal; sister, Peggy Fisher Gerke; brother-in-law, Rollin Connly; two nephews, Michael and Brad Fisher; most recently, sister-in-law, June Rose Colvin Jordahl; and many other beloved in-laws.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy O’Neal; children Matt (Melody) O’Neal of Snohomish, Washington, Heather (Jerry) Andregg of Manchester, Iowa, Mikkele O’Neal of Sioux City and Jennifer (Jim) Cougill of Sioux City; grandchildren Nicholas, Adam and Connor Andregg and Brooklyn and Keegan Cougill; siblings Beverly Connly (Phil Olson) of Burnsville, Craig (Ann) O’Neal of Bonney Lake, Washington, and Brian O’Neal of Nevada, Iowa; in-laws Maryanne (Theede) Monson, Frank (Sharon) Holway and Mike (Sue) Holwald; and he is also survived by special nieces and nephews.