Robert D. McGill

Robert Dwight McGill, 71, of O'Neill, died Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Tuesday, May, 13, 2025 at the Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill with a time of sharing.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the church in O'Neill. Pastor John Nelson officiated.

Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery in Creighton.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of the arrangements.

Robert was born April 24, 1954 to Dwight and Joan (Truman) McGill in Plainview. He was raised on a farm just outside of Center. Robert attended grade school in Center, then attended high school in Creighton. While in school Robert was in 4-H, he also enjoyed tinkering with motorcycles. He graduated with the class of 1972.

After high school he attended Norfolk Junior College in Norfolk, where he met “the one” Jan Kornock. He saw her walk into a bar with some friends, saw no one else and knew he needed to know more about her. He may or may not have “lightly stalked” her and found out her name and that she would be at a St. Patrick's Day dance in O'Neill. He conveniently showed up at the dance too, where they officially met, danced and went out for pizza afterwards.  Five months later, they married on Aug. 31, 1974 in Orchard. His side of the family and his wife's side became very close and would often celebrate holidays and vacation together. 

They lived in Norfolk for a short time before moving to O'Neill in the fall of 1975 to work for Grosch Irrigation up until he went to work for Holt County Department of Roads in 1997. He drove the road grader for District 2. He retired in the spring of 2016.  

After retirement he and Jan enjoyed traveling with their dogs to places with deliciously fresh seafood. 

He enjoyed woodworking, shooting guns, puttin' around in the garden and making his own beer and sausage. He also enjoyed boating and traveling with his family in the summer and was very proud to take his family on vacations, including visiting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans as well as the Gulf of Mexico. He also loved his dogs tremendously. However, it should be noted he was unapologetically hateful towards cucumbers. 

Robert was a member of the NRA, devoted family man, Mr. Grumpy, incredibly hardworking, loved to get a reaction out of others with his dry humor, yet never wanted to be recognized for his kindness or deeds. He was a self-professed instigator, enjoyed good whiskey and created his happy place within his own home with a dog on his lap and a window to look outside. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage and loved to show off his McGill Clan tartan cap whenever family would come together. Robert's proudest achievements were marrying his wife and his three children.

McGill Clan's motto: Sine Fine Without End

Robert is survived by his wife Jan McGill of O'Neill; his three children Bernie (Janelle) McGill of Lincoln, Jessica (Eric) Peters of Omaha and Jaclyn (Doug) Hansen of Olathe, KS; five grandchildren Ethan Peters, Janna Peters, Claire McGill, Arabelle Hansen and Haley (Munif) Al-Kazahy; four great-grandchildren Tyler Lee, Elijah Al-Kazahy, Ezra Al-Kazahy and Elias Al-Kazahy; four sisters-in-law Nancy McGill of Green Bay, WI, Kim McGill and  Laurie Kohout, both of Seward and Leann Wulff of Crescent, Iowa; two nieces Sarah Larson and Alana McGill; four nephews Matt McGill, Andrew McGill, Tim McGill and Ryan McGill; and his little buddy Toby (dog).

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers John, and Keith McGill; mother-in-law Roberta Kornoc; brother-in-law Larry Kornock; and his dogs Perry, Zoey and Scottie.