James Tilden O'Connor, 93, of Kenosha, died Friday (March 12th, 2005) at Kenosha Medical Center. Born September 1, 1911, in Oneida, IL, to James Francis O'Connor and Mabel Loretta Tilden, he graduated from Corpus Christie High School in 1930 and worked on his father's farm until the late 40's. He then worked in the powerhouse at the Research Hospital in Galesburg, IL. Years later, he accepted a position as a stationary engineer at St. Mary's Seminary in Mundelein, IL. In 1954, he was hired by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters as chief engineer for their motherhouse and, later, Marionjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, IL. He retired from Marionjoy in 1976. He married Lauretta Marguerite Galiger at St. Bedes in Fox Lake, IL, on June 29, 1935. They eventually settled in Wheaton. Considered the "rock" of the family, he was always there when you needed him. He will be greatly missed for his sense of humor, his pleasant smile and his friendly handshake. Surviving are his sons, Richard Tilden (Rozella) O'Connor of Bowie, Texas, and Loyal Patrick O'Connor of Kenosha; his daughter, Margo J. (Reid) Simmons of Wheaton; his sister, Mary Catherine McMaster of Galesburg, IL; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years; a son, James Daniel O'Connor; a daughter, Peggy Jo O'Connor; a brother Robert Frances O'Connor; and a sister, Margaret Lucille O'Connor, BVM. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 17th, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Kenosha, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, send donations in memory of James T. O'Connor to the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters, PO Box 667, Wheaton, IL 60189.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533www.prokofuneralhome.com