Paul O'Reilly

Paul Joseph O’Reilly, 78, of Goodhue, died peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at his home with Cathy by his side. He was born on August 20, 1945, to Joseph and Mary (Heaney) O’Reilly. He was the 5th of 10 children. He attended schools in Goodhue graduating in 1963. After high school he joined the National Guard and completed cook school. Although, he really never cooked except for fried eggs, meat and toast not just for breakfast, but for any meal. He was honorably discharged after breaking both legs in a car accident in January 1965. After spending weeks in traction, and then more time in a body cast he began farming with his dad and brother. He met his future wife, Catherine Heppelmann in January 1969, and they married on August 30, 1969. They were dairy farmers for many years before selling the herd in 1987, through the dairy buy-out program. He then worked for O’Reilly Bus Garage and for various road construction companies in the area as a heavy equipment operator. 

In 2008, he retired from road construction and spent his time cutting up old machinery, cars, etc. for scrap and hauling to the Twin Cities. On February 10, 2010, Paul had a brain aneurysm and spent the next 3 ½ months recovering. His “junking” days were over and he had difficulties with short term memory, but he was always up for playing cards, including euchre and 500 rummy, which he played with Cathy every day. Paul also enjoyed fishing at Judge Heaney’s cabin in Canada and always had some good stories to tell. 

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; six sons, Jacob (Colleen), Nathan (Pommella), Clifford, Joseph (Bonnie), Adam (Wendy) and William (Brittany); 12 grandchildren, Diedre (Jacob) Gilsdorf, Keisha (Tyler) Anderson, Kodee (Abbie) O’Reilly, Caden O’Reilly-Holtz, Conor, Makae, Izzabelle and Ethan O’Reilly, Riley (Taylor) Augustine, Dylan (Makayla) Wojick, Deagen and Landon O’Reilly; six great grandchildren, Ryker Gilsdorf, Bryson and Hadley Anderson, Nora O’Reilly, Caycee Holtz and Ellowyn Augustine; five siblings, Margaret Ferber, Geraldine Casey, Roger (Karen) O’Reilly, David (Mary Jo) O’Reilly and Steven (Beverly) O’Reilly; brother and sisters -in-law, Roger (Elaine) Hilan and Patrice O’Reilly. He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, JoAnn Hilan, Daniel, Bernard and Charles O’Reilly and brothers-in-law, Donald Ferber and Tim Casey.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1030 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024, at St. Columbkill Catholic Church in Belle Creek  with Father Thomas McCabe presiding. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota and at the church for one hour prior to mass. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society. You are encouraged to wear your Carhartt’s or blue denim in memory of Paul.