Rush Funeral Home Logo
Logo Image
(605) 859-2400 You can call us 24/7
Newsletter Get new obituaries by email
Search Search through the obituaries

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM (Mountain).

City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at the City Auditorium in Kadoka.



Print Obituary

In memory of

Dale O'Connell

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City at the age of 78

Dale Bernard O’Connell was born October 28, 1942, in Philip, SD to Dale Elwood and Frances Marie (Slovek) O’Connell. He grew up in the Hartley area north of Philip with his 7 siblings: Donna, Donette, Glenn, Kent, Delane, Anita, and Roger.

He graduated Philip High School in 1961 and on June 15, 1968, married Lucinda (Cindy) Irene Struble in Lantry, SD. Dale and Cindy had four sons: Leslie Dale, Raymond Edward, Craig Wayne, and Bruce Duane.

Dale worked a variety of jobs including road construction, at the Philip Cenex, in 1985 he opened his first business O’Connell Propane. In 1992, they moved to Spearfish and purchased the Star Motel, then in 1994 the couple owned and operated the Belle Fourche Steakhouse and Lounge before moving back to Belvidere, SD to be closer to family. Dale continued to do other odd jobs for the area including repairing lawn mowers.

Dales favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, taking drives to Interior in his favorite Mopar, and bowling. He bowled with a number of friends and family and would give pointers to anyone who would listen. He placed in several events over the years including taking first place at the SD State Open Bowling Tournament in 1993 with the Madres Pub men’s bowling team and in 2009 Mixed State Champs with his wife Cindy, son Raymond and friend Loretta Swanston. His greatest achievement was being inducted into the SD USBC Bowling Hall of Fame in 2018. He was extremely proud of his boys and grandchildren that have carried on the O’Connell bowling legacy.

Survivors include his wife Cindy of Kadoka; four sons: Leslie (Polly Litz-Fode) O'Connell of Rapid City, Raymond (Karla) O'Connell of Rapid City, Craig (Sona) O'Connell of Spearfish, and Bruce O'Connell of Bismarck, ND; ten grandchildren Alex, Andrew, Jordan and Lanie O’Connell, Emily, Jaxson, and Griffin Fode, Taylan, Kayla and Judian Schutz, three great grandchildren Landon Raile, Noah and Tyler Schutz; three brothers Glenn (Rita) O'Connell of Philip, Kent (Cindy) O'Connell of Spooner WI, and Roger (Teresa) O'Connell of Philip; three sisters Donna (Richard) Perez of Rapid City, Donette Gregg of Rapid City, and Anita (Randy) Linker of Parker, CO; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John Charles (Infant) and Delane O'Connell, brother-in-law Ted Gregg, granddaughter Aerial O’Connell and great-granddaughter Marleigh Jane Schutz.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at the City Auditorium in Kadoka.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 10, 2021 at the City Auditorium in Kadoka with Pastor Gus Craven officiating. Lunch will immediately follow the funeral service and after the lunch a procession to the Masonic Cemetery in Philip will follow for interment.

Cards and memorials can be sent to:
Cindy O'Connell
P.O. Box 415
Kadoka, SD 57543


Open the Memorial Folder


VISITATION
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 - 5-7 p.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Thursday, June 10, 2021 - 11:00 a.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Gus Craven

MUSIC
JoAnn Stilwell - Pianist
Susan Davidson - Vocalist
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”
Special Music
“My Way” - Elvis Presley

USHERS
Nathan Drury - Jeremy Kerns - Andrew Reckling

PALLBEARERS
Troy VanDerboom - Larry Hicks - Carl Brown
Harlan Fortin - Bryan Buxcel - Steve Varner

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT FOLLOWING LUNCH
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

  • Hello from Happykiddi. ~ NerryIceni (3/1/2024)
  • My brother Craig and I were sorry to hear about Dale's passing. We fondly remember the times we all got together in Philip with the O'Connell's, Harry's and Warren's as kids growing up. ~ Ronald Warren Downers Grove, IL (6/13/2021)
  • Cindy and family, Dale was one of my favorites and I will miss him dearly! ~ Deb V, RN Rapid City (6/10/2021)
  • Special prayers for strength and comfort to the family if Dale. Hold those special times and memories close and share frequently. And when you are bowling, if you really listen, you will hear him giving you pointers on how to better your control of the ball! ~ Ann Cvach (6/10/2021)
  • Cindy & family,
    We are very sorry for your loss. I've known Dale almost my entire life and he always had a friendly word for me! I am sure he will be sorely missed by you all. Blessed be!     ~ Kelly Penticoff Philip, SD (6/9/2021)
  • We are so sorry for your loss of Dale. May God comfort you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers. ~ Lavern & Dianne Terkildsen Wall, SD (6/8/2021)
  • Cindy and family, I am sorry to hear of Dale's passing. I still have great memories of being around Dale. Great person! He will be missed, but remembered well!! All the best wishes to you and your family! ~ Brandon Cuppy Tea, SD (6/7/2021)
  • Cindy and family, I am so sorry to hear of Dale's passing. As you all know Dale was a great person and will be missed. Big hugs and prayers during this sad time. ~ Jeff Stilwell Mastic Beach, NY (6/6/2021)
  • Your in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Kelly Madsen Fort Pierre (6/6/2021)
  • So sorry Cindy you all are in my prayers/love. ~ Joann Stark Sioux City, NE 68776 (6/5/2021)
  • Cindy and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Dales passing, he was truely and good guy and good friend to me. I always enjoyed visiting with him whenever I needed lawn mower repair. Please know Chris and I send our sympathy and prayers to all of you. God bless and keep you. ~ Diana Elwood Volborg, MT (6/5/2021)
  • I am so sorry for your loss. Dale was a great person! ~ Joan Kerns Mitchell (6/5/2021)
  • We are thinking of all you folks during this difficult time. Hold on to all the memories. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (6/5/2021)
  • Sorry for your loss my prayers and thoughts are with your whole family ~ Judy Bosanco Pierre S.D (6/5/2021)
  • Cindy and family, Dale was a great guy and a bowling legend. May you find comfort in the many happy memories he left you. ~ Karen Hanson Rapid City SD (6/5/2021)
  • Sorry to hear of Dale's passing. We were high school friends many years ago. ~ Arlie Nelson Newcastle, WY (6/4/2021)
  • So sorry to hear of Dale's passing. Condolences to all the family. ~ Ellie Bettelyoun Martin (6/4/2021)
  • SD ~ Evelyn Heide (Rowcliffe) Philip (6/4/2021)
  • So sorry to hear of Dale's passing, he was such a kind soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Loretta Shultz Rapid City (6/4/2021)
  • Pinsetters in Heaven, better man your posts! This man will keep you busy! Can't even begin to tell you how fond we were of Dale. He certainly was a very special person. He was so fun to be around, and always had a way of looking on the positive of things and life. Cindy and family, may God grant you peace and comfort knowing Dale is resting (or bowling) in Jesus' eternal care. ~ Roxy Richardson (6/4/2021)
  • Cindy & Family, so sorry to hear of Dale's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (6/4/2021)
  • We are sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for your family. ~ Oliver & Gayle Carson Quinn,SD (6/4/2021)
  • Cindy and Family,
    My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.     ~ Fawna (Geigle) Goff Sturgis, SD (6/4/2021)
  • Sympathy and prayers to Dale's family and friends. So sorry. ~ Donna Bodkin Craven (6/4/2021)
  • Cindy & family, Prayers to you all at this time. May you find strength and comfort in the days to come and find peace in all your memories. ~ JNai Hauk Quinn, SD (6/4/2021)
  • Cindy and Family - So sorry to learn of Dale's passing. May the love of family and friends help comfort you all in the days ahead. ~ Dave & Karen Webb Rapid City SD (6/4/2021)
  • Remember!Bering all the good times with Cindy and Dale. RIP Dale! Prayers to Cindy and family! ~ Diana Nelson Rapid City (6/4/2021)
  • Thinking of you and sending hugs! Dale was a special person . RIP ~ Linda Stilwell Kadoka (6/3/2021)
  • We are saddened to hear this. We hold many fun times in our memory bank with Dale and family through bowling. He tried hard to coach me (Stacy) but I wasn't that good. ha! Hold the fond memories close to your heart and know he isn't suffering any longer. Hugs to you all. ~ Stacy and Gary Dole Pierre SD (6/3/2021)