Father John (Jack) O’Donnell, 77, of Shanbally, Duagh, Ireland, formerly of the Diocese of Duluth, died March 19, 2026, peacefully in the care of the staff of Kilcara Nursing Home in the presence of family and friends. Father O’Donnell was born in Kilcara, Duagh, Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, on July 18, 1948, to Thomas and Julia (O’Connor) O’Donnell. He earned a degree in Theology from All Hallows College in Dublin, Ireland. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 18, 1972, for the Diocese of Duluth.

Father O’Donnell served at St. Francis, Brainerd; St. Mary’s, Keewatin; St. Anne’s Mission, Kelly Lake; Blessed Sacrament, Hibbing; St. Francis, Carlton; Immaculate Conception, Cromwell-Wright; Holy Spirit and Sacred Heart, Virginia; and Sacred Heart, Mt. Iron. He also served as Administrator at Immaculate Conception, Hibbing, and served on several Diocesan Boards and Councils. Father O’Donnell retired on July 16, 2014, and returned to Ireland.

Father O’Donnell was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Julia, brother Dan (Bridie), sister Mary (Jack) Fitzgerald, sister Kathy Murphy, and nephew John Fitzgerald.

He will be sadly missed by his brother Tom (Anne); brother-in-law Tony Murphy (Newbridge); numerous nephews and nieces, extended family members, brother priests, and friends.