O’CONNELL, Richard “Dickie” “Dog” of Saginaw Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Cartwright Hospice Residence. He was 56 years old. Richard D. O’Connell was born on January 27, 1955 to the late Edward and Frances “Dollie” (Keyser) O’Connell. He was engaged to Jackie Schneller with plans to marry on February 14, 2012.

He loved spending time up north and with his family. Dickie owned a classic ’68 Malibu and enjoyed going to car shows. He was also a devoted Tigers fan, often going to their home games.

Left to cherish Dickie’s memory are his fiancée, Jackie Schneller; sons: Todd (Joy) Schneller, Brian (Jenny) Schneller and Chad Schneller all of Saginaw; his grandchildren: Mario, Brian, Jarrod, Katie and Anna; three siblings: Ed O’Connell, Jr., Connie (Ralph) Gnotek, and RaeAnn (Tim) Gnatkowski; one step-sister, Pauline (Tom) Carter and her children, Lori, Char, and Chad; nine nieces and nephews: Michelle, Karen, and Katie O’Connell, Jeanine (Ron) Kowalski, Lyndsay Gnotek, Allison (Matt) Vincent, Kaycee, Cody and Caleb Gnatkowski: four great nephews: Vincent and Andrew Kowalski, Kellen O’Connell, and Liam Vincent: one uncle, Tony (Jackie) O’Connell; one aunt, Alice Piechotte; lots of dear friends and a grand dog, Buck.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward O’Connell and “Dollie” (O’Connell) Peek; his stepfather, Emerson Peek; his brother, Patrick O’Connell; his step-brother, Kenneth Paul Peek; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Chuck and Helen Dijak.

Dickie’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Cartwright for their care and compassion.

FUNERAL: Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2012 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter (off State St.). Rev. Ken MacGillivray will officiate. In honor of Dickie, his family encourages everyone to dress casual, sporting their favorite Detroit Tiger apparel.

VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at Deisler Funeral Home on Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Family Discretionary Fund c/o Connie Gnotek. Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com