Marquette––Gene Allen "Butch" O'Neill, Jr., 44, formerly of 1915 E. Freedom Drive, Marquette, entered eternal life Monday evening, April 21, 2008, at Marquette General Hospital, following a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer. Born August 23, 1963, in Marquette, a son of Gene A. and Marlene J. "Judy" (Benzing) O'Neill, Sr., Butch was raised in Marquette and attended the Graveraet Middle School and the Marquette Senior High School. He liked to help his father with carpentry projects and enjoyed recycling. Butch was always willing to lend a helping hand and assist people with odd jobs. Well known for his easy manner, Butch made friends wherever he went. Butch enjoyed playing his guitar and singing the songs he wrote, and going to the casino. His faith was important to him and he believed that Jesus worked through him, using him even in illness, as an example for other people. Butch often stated that, "there are so many good people in this world." Survivors include his father and step-mother, Gene (Betty) O'Neill, Sr of Marquette; step-father, Bryan Christianson of Phoenix, AZ; sisters, Gwen Cleary of Phoenix, AZ and Merri (Steven) Burby of Iron Mountain; step-sister, Bonni (Denis) Raymond of Nashua, NH; brother, Darren O'Neill of Marquette; step-brother, Ron Secord of Punta Gorda, FL; nieces and nephews, Keira, Jasyn, and Katrina Burby, Erin Stamp, Sean and Callista Cleary; step-nieces, Heidi Morris, Sarah and Kayla Secord; a grand-niece and several grand-nephews; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Butch was preceded in death by his mother, Marlene "Judy" Christianson on August 5, 2007; and by grandparents, Lloyd and Florence O'Neill and Joseph and Gerri Benzing. Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 3:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 pm Saturday afternoon with Rev. Charles Tooman officiating. The family would like to express their appreciation to the caregivers and doctors who gave Butch their comfort and support.