Brian M. “Murph” O'Donnell

Brian M. “Murph” O'Donnell

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Brian M. “Murph” O'Donnell, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, was a mentor and inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Brian at age 77 passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center.

"OD" was a terrific athlete, but an even better person.

His amazing life and accomplishments were significantly influenced by a strong faith, an amazing wife, an unwillingness to say, "I Can't", and an extensive list of supportive friends and family.

Brian was born on December 31, 1946, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, to Hugh and Ruth (Bloomfield) O’Donnell. He graduated from Assumption High School in 1965. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Central College in Pella, IA, in 1970, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Missouri in 1972.

Brian and the love of his life, Beverly, were married on August 15, 1970, in Belmond, IA. They were married for 45 years before Bev passed away in January 2016.

Brian’s inspirational Journey started when he suffered a spinal cord injury at a Homecoming football game at Central College his senior year.

Brian spent the next year at Rehab hospital in Des Moines, where he met and eventually married his nurse, Bev Pals. Bev was an amazing person, who dedicated her life to helping others.

Brian was an inspirational Guidance Counselor at Highland High School in Washington, IA, as well as a football and baseball coach. He moved back to Wisconsin Rapids in 1982 and became a guidance counselor and head football coach at his alma mater, Assumption High School. After he retired from Assumption, he became involved in the Boys and Girls Club in Wisconsin Rapids, and a substitute teacher at local schools, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Based upon Brian's accomplishments on and off the football field, Brian received numerous honors at Central College, including the Alumni Achievement Award (2000), an endowed scholarship in his name funded by his friends (2002), and Induction to the Athletics Hall of Honor (2013).

Brian was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, the Lions Club, and a season ticket holder of the Rafters. He was an avid sports fan and regularly attended Rafter games. Brian was devoted to his beloved wife and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He had a zest for life and enjoyed the little things like sitting out in the sun on the veranda and getting on the water to boat with his friends.

Brian is survived by his children, Amy (Derek) Hoffman of Waunakee, WI, and Brent (Olubunmi)

O’Donnell of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Allie, Devin, Xenos, Mykita, and Zahir; siblings, Rusty (Linda) O’Donnell, Keith (Sandy) O’Donnell, and Kathie Joslin; sister-in-law, Susan (Ted) Long; and many nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his “adopted family”, Mary Jo, Eric, and Jack Gatzke as well as his best friend and “adopted brother”, Mike

(Linda) Orr.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, and parents, Hugh and Ruth.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Rev.

Steven Weller will officiate the service. Visitation will be held at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on Thursday from 4:00-8:00PM and on Friday at the church from 10:00am until the time of service. A burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

To watch the funeral service live on Friday, click the "Watch Now" tab below (under the Webcast header).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Brian’s name to Catholic Diocese of LaCrosse, Boys & Girls Club, Marshfield Angel Fund, and St. Jude’s Children Hospital

Brian was a living example of the motto: "You can if you think you can"!

Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.