Mark James O'Donnell

Mark James O'Donnell, 63 years in age, of Millstadt, IL, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025 in Eminence, MO. He was born February 20, 1962, in Clayton, MO. Mark loved his job at Hudson Tree Service. He was proud to be their first retiree after 42 years of dedication. His experience in tree service led him to create wood furniture, decor, and sculptures, as well as many other creative projects in his free time. Mark was a graduate of Belleville West High School and Ranken Trade School. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, IL., and actively volunteered for his community, including Millstadt Commercial Club (historian), the Millstadt Jay-Cees (president), and other organizations. Mark loved to cook for others; he was known for his award-winning chili. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, and nature. He was a collector of trinkets and antiques. He cherished listening to music, and sharing his favorite songs with others. Perhaps his greatest joy in life was his family and many, many friends. Mark's jokes, stories, and presence put a smile on everyone's face. Those good times and smiles he provided will be deeply missed by many, and forgotten by none. Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Sandra O'Donnell, his sons, Clayton O'Donnell and Charles O'Donnell, his brothers and sisters, Kathleen (Ralph) Schaefer, Maureen (Bill) Hettenhausen, Becky Tubbs, John O'Donnell, Tim (Nancy) O'Donnell, Mary (Jim) Heberer, Mike (Kelly) O'Donnell, and Tom O'Donnell, his sister-in-law, Jean (Tom) Harbison, his brothers-in-law, Joe (Delores) Schobert, and Dan Schobert, his dear cousins, Geno (Rhonda) Joshu, Tony (Sherri) Joshu and Scott Smith, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Doris O'Donnell, father-in-law & mother-in-law, Stanley and Agnes Schobert, brothers-in-law, Robert Schobert and Nelson Tubbs, and his sister-in-law, Karen O'Donnell. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt, IL, with a time of reflection beginning at 7:00 p.m. Private family interment will be in the Mt. Evergreen Cemetery, Millstadt, Illinois. There will be a Celebration of Life for Mark held on September 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Millstadt Columbus Club, 114 W. Oak St., Millstadt, IL. 62260. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Millstadt Senior Center 102 So. Jefferson St., Millstadt, IL 62260. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.

Mark James O'Donnell

February 20, 1962 - August 15, 2025