Joseph F. O’Donnell, 69, of Burlington, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.
Born on Sept. 20, 1955, in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of Dean and Margaret “Virginia” Boysen. He married Susan Malloy, of that union they had three children: Ryan, Michael and Megan. They later divorced. He later married Linda Lampe, of that union they had one son David. They later divorced. On Oct. 8, 2012, in Pueblo, Colo., he married Marlene Meyette, she survives.
Joe was a 1974 graduate of Burlington High School. He worked for BNSF and was a member of the Local IBEW #452. After 37 years with BNSF and working his way to being a Locomotive Electrician, Joe decided it was time to retire in 2015. In his early years he coached little league softball. Joe was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. In his free time, he loved to be on the golf course golfing, fishing or duck hunting. He was a volunteer for Heritage Trust, where he would help salvage old buildings and homes with the trim, door knobs, doors, windows and much more. Joe loved to serve and give back to his community. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Marlene; seven children: Ryan (Shannon) O’Donnell of Burlington, Michael (Shonna) O’Donnell of Iowa City, Dezmon (Candice) Meyette of Pueblo, Colorado, Megan (Logan) Lipper of North Liberty, Iowa, David (Sara) O’Donnell of Carthage, Illinois, Angela (Luke) Kershner of Danville and Cassie (Justin) Curtis of West Burlington; seven grandchildren: Makayla, Miles and Micah O’Donnell, Aiden and Chloe Meyette and Layla and Nolan Lipper; two siblings: Larry West of Athens, Illinois and DeeAnn (Scot) Bokhoven of New Sharon, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Donald Shuster; grandson Hunter O’Donnell; brothers in-law: Marvin Meyette and Martin Meyette.
The funeral service for Joe will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at Lunning Chapel.
A visitation for Joe will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at Lunning Chapel where the family will meet with friends.
A memorial has been established in his memory.