Wilber C. O’Neill was born November 5, 1907, in Dennison, Iowa, the son of Albert and Bessie (Jones) O’Neill. In 1910, he moved with his parents and brother Herbert to their homestead on Plum Creek, northeast of Philip. He grew up on the homestead and attended Plum Creek Rural School prior to graduating from Philip High School.

As a young man he ranched with his parents and brother on the homestead. During WWII, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served until his honorable discharge. While serving in the Army, he met Dorothy Wipf, who was a registered nurse serving in the Army. They were united in marriage on September 19, 1943, at Atlantic Beach Army Camp in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

After their honorable discharge, they purchased a ranch on Plum Creek which they operated all their married life.

After his wife’s death on July 9, 1968, he continued to operate the ranch until 1990. In 1990, he moved to Caputa where he has since resided with his nephew and niece, Harold and Rosie O’Neill.

Wilber was a member of the V.F.W. Post #3069 of Philip.

Wilber is survived by a his nephew Harold O’Neill and his wife Rosie of Caputa; several other nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Wilber was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy on July 9, 1968; his parents; two brothers Herbert O’Neill and Ervin O’Neill; and one sister Frances Neville.

Visitation was held 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, at Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Monday.

Funeral services were held10:00 a.m. Monday, June 27, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip, with Pastor Ann Schlossnagle and Pastor H. Wayne Williams officiating.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip, with a flag presentation by the American Legion Post #173 of Philip.

A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, June 27, 2005 10:00 a.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Ann Schlossnagle
Pastor H. Wayne Williams
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage – Organist
Larry Brock – Vocalist
"Amazing Grace"
USHERS
Philip Brock – Tyler Brock
PALLBEARERS
Dave O’Neill – Harold O’Neill
Steve Wiege – Rex Radway
Todd Radway – Mark Radway
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota