University Letter

UND's faculty and staff newsletter

Remembering Peggy O’Connell

Peggy O’Connell
Peggy O’Connell

Peggy L. O’Connell, retired librarian at the Chester Fritz Library, passed away Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at her home in Grand Forks. She was 82.

Peggy Lou Iverson was born on Aug.3, 1939, in Grafton, N.D., to of Iver and Pearl (Monson) Iverson.  She was raised in Nash, N.D., and graduated from Grafton High School in 1957.  During high school, Peggy was employed as a secretary with Lynn Grimson Law Firm and the North Dakota State Seed Department.

Peggy married Thomas John O’Connell on June 14, 1958 (Flag Day) at St, Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks. They lived in Grand Forks until moving to Harvey, Bismarck, and Washburn, N.D.  They returned to Grand Forks in 1989. Peggy was employed as a Librarian at the Chester Fritz Library at the University of North Dakota until her retirement in 2011.

Peggy was a member of the Eastern Star and longtime member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed camping with her family, fishing in Canada, playing Pinochle and puzzles.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas; her children, Barbara (Steve) Martin, Emerado, ND, Daniel (Barb) O’Connell, Williams, MN, Erin (Kenneth) Dionne, East Grand Forks, MN, Patricia (Austin) McCracken, Davenport, IA and William (Cassie Scheving), Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Nicole O’Connell, Haley Dionne, Rebecca Martin, Joseph (Natalie) Martin, Elijah McCracken, Noah McCracken, Wrigley O’Connell and Hazel O’Connell; brothers-in-law, Donald (Mary) Berntsen and Bill (Anne VanCamp) O’ Connell.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law, Thomas B. O’Connell, mother-in-law, Adelaura (Lizakowski) O’Connell and a sister-in-law, Patricia Berntsen.

Memorials are preferred to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 524 N 5th St, Grand Forks, ND 58203, Hospice of the Red River Valley, 2860 10th Ave N #400, Grand Forks, ND 58203, or the charity of your choice.

Mass of Christian Burial:  11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.

Visitation:  One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Wednesday.

Burial:  In the spring.