✦ IN LOVING MEMORY ✦

Ryan Paul O’Connell

August 14, 1986 – October 19, 2025

Age 39 – Hugo, Minnesota

Ryan Paul O’Connell, age 39, of Hugo, MN, passed away unexpectedly on October 19, 2025.

Ryan was born on August 14, 1986, in Maplewood, MN, and raised in Mahtomedi, MN. He attended Mahtomedi High School, where he built lifelong friendships and met the love of his life, Kelly. After graduating high school in 2004, Ryan joined the Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Union, where he earned his master’s license. In recent years, he brought that same dedication and leadership to his role as a Project Manager and Estimator at Kraft Mechanical.

Known as the life of the party, Ryan had a magnetic personality and a sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. His infectious laugh, smile, and ability to make others feel at ease made him the center of every gathering. Ryan made every moment memorable.

Ryan and Kelly were married in 2008 and built a life together centered on family, laughter, love, and the outdoors. They are blessed with two wonderful daughters, Riley (13) and Morgan (10), who were his greatest pride and joy.

Outside of work, Ryan could be found hunting, fishing, camping, or riding off-road side-by-sides with family and friends. He was a true family man — the kind of dad who showed up for everything and made sure his girls always knew how much they were loved.

Ryan is survived by his wife, Kelly; daughters, Riley and Morgan; father, Jerry O’Connell; mother, Mildred Jurek (Dave); sister, Jessica Chilson (Andrew); brother, Neal O’Connell (Kimberly); step-sisters, Laura Johnson and Carrie Jurek (Nick); father- and mother-in-law, Ron and Brenda Gray; sister-in-law, Nicole Dodge (Kenneth); and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A funeral service will be held at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, Service starts at 11am November 5th, 2025 at St. Mary's of the Lake 4741 Bald Eagle Ave White Bear Lake, MN 55110. A celebration of life following at the Hugo American Legion 5383 140th St N Hugo, MN 55038 to honor Ryan’s memory and the countless good times he shared with everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to a fund established for the benefit of his daughters, Riley and Morgan. Please refer to the GoFundMe page for updates regarding Ryan’s service and celebration of life.