Earl D. O’Neal, 94, a longtime Naperville resident and self-employed typesetter who enjoyed his work so much he held off retiring until age 85, died Saturday, Oct. 28, in his home. Born in LeGrand, Iowa, Mr. O’Neal lived in Naperville for the last 64 years. He was a graduate of Merganthaler Linotype School in Chicago and a member of the Typographical Union. Early in his career, he worked as a Linotype setter for the Naperville Clarion newspaper, but from 1956 until his retirement in 1992 he was self-employed. “He came from a family where this kind of work was in his blood,” said his daughter Vicki Rickel. “His father was the editor of a small town newspaper, and his sister was a reporter during the 1920s.” Mr. O’Neal was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville for more than 60 years and was also a member of the Polish Star Masonic Lodge in LeGrand. Among his hobbies, he enjoyed gardening, golf and playing bridge and the stock market. “He was quiet, a man of few words, but he knew how to live life,” said Rickel. Other survivors include another daughter, Betty Laning; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, followed by services at 11 a.m., in Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Rd., Naperville.
