Joseph O'Donnell

In Loving Memory of Joseph Vendolin O’Donnell 

Joseph Vendolin O’Donnell, age 97, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at his home in Breezy Point, MN, where he had spent the last 42 years surrounded by the natural beauty he cherished and the family he adored.

Born and raised in St. Cloud, MN, Joe lived a life marked by service, strength, and a steadfast commitment to faith and family. An Army veteran and proud three-sport athlete at St. Cloud Tech High School and St. Cloud State University, Joe brought heart and discipline into everything he did—on the field, in the classroom, and especially at home.

Joe spent 35 years shaping young minds as a teacher in Hector, MN and Richfield, MN. But teaching was never just a job—it was an extension of who he was: patient, wise, and deeply invested in helping others grow.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Catherine (Prasch) O’Donnell, his parents, Joseph and Margaret (Hill) O’Donnell and his great grandson Noah James O’Donnell. Their reunion in heaven is surely filled with joy and laughter.

Joe leaves behind a devoted family who carry forward his legacy of conservation, love for God’s creation, and unwavering loyalty. He is survived by his children: Shelly (Bill) Boles, Jeff (Chris) O’Donnell, and Tom (Melissa) O’Donnell; grandchildren: Holly (Ed) Downing, Adam (Karen) Boles, Ryan (Nikki) O’Donnell, Aaron (Sarah) O’Donnell, Lauren (Dave) Lowry, Nick (Liz) O’Donnell, Kelley (Chris) Weidell, Jack O’Donnell; and twelve great-grandchildren who will grow up knowing the impact of a quiet hero who taught by example and brother Terence (Alice) O’Donnell.

Whether it was casting a line on a quiet lake, cheering for his favorite teams, tending to Christmas trees, or bowing his head in prayer, Joe found beauty in simple things. He passed that love on generously—and the stories told over campfires, kitchen tables, and church pews will echo his spirit for generations.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday August 9, 2025 at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, in Crosslake, MN where Joe found strength, fellowship, and comfort throughout his life. Visitation will take place at 10:00 AM with Mass to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials go to Immaculate Heart Church Endowment Fund or City of Breezy Point Pelican Woods Cemetery.

The family would like to give special thanks to the St. Croix Hospice team and for the staff at Whitefish at the Lakes Senior Living Facility who so lovingly cared for Joe during his last months.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.