Loyal Patrick O’Connor, 69, of Kenosha, passed away on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009, at his residence. Born on October 13, 1939, in Galesburg, IL, he was the son of the late James and Loretta (Galiger) O’Connor. Pat received his BA from Creighton University in 1961 and went on to receive his MA from Roosevelt University. He moved to Kenosha in 1969. He served in the United States Navy from 1965 until 1967 and was stationed at the Naval Exam Center as a statistical technician. Pat was a Professor of Economics at Gateway Technical College for 38 years, retiring in January 2007. Survivors include his three children, Jean Marie (Bryan) Bieszk of Milwaukee, Heather Kaye (Jeff) VanWie of Pleasant Prairie, and Sean Patrick O’Connor of Kenosha; the mother of his children, Bonnie Leggin of Pleasant Prairie; a brother, Richard Tilden (Rozella) O’Connor of Bowie, TX; a sister, Margo Jean (Reid) Simmons of Wheaton, IL; and three grandchildren, Casandra VanWie, Michael Patrick O’Connor and Daniel Brendan O’Connor. He was preceded in death by a brother, James Daniel O’Connor; and a sister in infancy, Peggy Jo O’Connor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 6th, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church at 12:00 noon. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held on Monday at St. Mark’s Church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mark’s Catholic School would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Pat’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Anonymous
Jean and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts.Tom and Mandie
Dr. Jacqueline Love
April 6, 2009
I met Pat at Gateway Technical College's Elkhorn Campus and Burlington Center. I found him to be a very intelligent man who cared deeply about students. I am saddened to hear about his loss. I am praying that in this time of loss and reflection on the life that was Loyal Pat O'Connor you will remember his passion, his intellect and his love for each of you. May God strengthen you now and in the days to come.
Gail Silber Bock
April 4, 2009
My deceased (2006)husband, Charles Mitchell Bock, is related to the O'Connor family as distant "cousins." We have stayed connected through Mary Lindgren and now Barry Galiger through common interests of genealogy. I regret we have not met in person. Please know our thoughts and sincere prayers are with you at this time of loss and our loving thoughts with you for your future.The Bock Family, Gail and sons, Brian and David
Craig & Kitty Simmons
April 4, 2009
Margo, Reid & FamilyWe are so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, Pat. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Pat's entire family. May you find peace in the memories of Pat's love for you all. Craig & Kitty
Pam Stewart Amundson
April 4, 2009
Dear Jean and all of your familyPlease know that I am thinking of you and my heart goes out to you right now. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was such a vibrant and interesting man. He will be missed.Sincerely,Pam Amundson
T.J., Christina, and Brighton O'Connor
April 4, 2009
Uncle Pat was my God parent. I didn't reallize much about Uncle Pat until I was old enough to appreciate what a wonderful person he was.He always took the time to listen, give advise, encourage, compliment, and he was a loving Man.When he came visit my Mom and Dad, I would try to see him and if I couldn't come he would make a trip out of his way to stop and see us in OK.. That meant alot to us. I am thankful for the times we shared. We are going to miss his smile and conversation until we meet again. Love T.J. and Family.
TOM AND HILARY
April 3, 2009
Please accept our condolences on your loss. He was our good neighbor and friend. Now most of us live in Portland Or. Tom and Hilary Stell
Susan Pascucci
April 3, 2009
I worked with Pat at Gateway Technical College for many years and saw him a few times after his retirement and he was doing well. He was an intelligent and interesting person to know. I am saddened to hear he passed so young. My sympathy to the family for their loss of a proud Irishman.
John, Sherry, Karina, Katlynn
April 3, 2009
Jeff, Heather, Casandra, and all family: I always really enjoyed seeing and talking to Pat; I especially remember the year I lived right across the street from him and we used both our homes to get ready for the wedding. I loved having him over for New Year's Eve that year; I loved hearing about his travels and adventures (especially to Russia!). We're thinking of you and have you in our hearts and prayers; wishing you much love and peace. With All Our Love,John, Sherry, Karina and Katlynn
Patty (Walkowski) Yaeger
April 3, 2009
I would like to express my deepest sympathies. It has been quite a few years since we have spoken, but you are in my thoughts and prayers. Just to refresh who I am, I believe I was one of your first babysitters for Jean Marie with Heather and Sean to follow. It just amazes me that it has been that long, and now you have children of your own. Again, my deepest sympathies. Patty (Walkowski) Yaeger
Jim Newberry
April 3, 2009
My condolences. I had Loyal for Economics at Gateway. He was always fair and told us very interesting stories about his travels. Most notably his visit to Russia. My family and I pray for your loss.
Barry Galiger
April 3, 2009
I remember staying overnight after Kim Lindgren's to Jon Smitka on 10-22-06. We stayed up talking about what we have both been doing over the past several years. It was a delight to hear Pat describe his travels to Europe and many holy spots that he had visited. He also talked about his children and his dreams. We promised to get together again and continue...our paths have now parted, but we are both richer for the time and recalled joys that we've shared. It's important that we use these times to gratefully recall our precious time together here on earth, and that we could share some of it together.
Karen (Olson) Peterson
April 3, 2009
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget the wonderful times we shared and the wonderful dinners that we shared.