1932
Arlys
2007
Arlys O'Connor
November 8, 1932 — June 14, 2007
Arlys Jeanne Zimmerman was born on November 8, 1932 in Graceville, MN to parents Walter and Antonia (Fischer) Zimmerman. She grew up in Graceville area, attending the school in Johnson before moving on to the Ag School in Morris to complete high school. Growing up, her parent's house was rarely a quiet one with eight children. In 1951 Arlys met Wayne O'Connor at a dance held at the Sioux Pavilion in Ortonville, soon after the two began dating. They were married on February 14, 1952 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, MN. To this union were born nine children; Dennis, Maureen, Mark, Kathy, Connie, Carol, Patti, Bill and Steven. Arlys and Wayne celebrated fifty-five loving years together prior to her passing.
With nine children, most of Arlys's time was spent being a mother and caretaker to her family. She did find time to work as a seamstress out of her home and later as a barmaid when she worked with Wayne. During the summers, she would take her children out to Lake Toqua and sew as they played in the water. Arlys was a wonderful cook, often preparing a traditional Sunday dinner of fried chicken and mashed potatoes that her family loved so much. With nine children, the time that Arlys took to cook, bake, and sew was her personal time but even then she went about her tasks with her family in mind.
Arlys had a wonderful sense of humor and loved nothing more than to tell stories, jokes, and to sing and dance. In the morning, she would sit down with her cup of coffee and work on the crossword puzzle from the paper, often times finishing. She also enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage and pinochle, as well as board games. Somehow, she found the time to walk two miles every day throughout her life. Outside of home, she was a member of the Ladies Circle at Holy Rosary for many years. Her loving memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Arlys passed away Thursday, June 14, 2007 at the Holy Trinity Hospital in Graceville, MN. She is preceded in death by her son, Bill O'Connor; parents, Walter and Antonia Zimmerman; and siblings, Kenny Zimmerman, Ivan Zimmerman, Irene Duin, Izzy Vader, and Virginia Curtis.
Arlys is survived by her beloved husband, Wayne O'Connor; and eight children, Dennis O'Connor of Fargo, ND, Maureen (Roger) Schwagel of Beardsley, MN, Mark (Susanne) O'Connor of Fulda, Germany, Kathy (Dana) Dane of Stuttgart, Germany, Connie (Al) Jensen of New Prague, MN, Carol (Howie Beyer) O'Connor of Minneapolis, MN, Patti (Kelly) Stotesbery of Big Stone City, SD, and Steven (Jane) O'Connor of Moorhead, MN. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, Angie & Tim Schwagel; Christopher O'Connor; Will & Grace Dane; Andrew, Kyle, Scott & Katie Jensen; Nicholas, Taylor & Shannon Stotesbery; and Billy & Patrick O?Connor; one great-grandson, Jason Patrick Hirt; two sisters, Bernice Madsen and Judy Gregory; brother-in-law, Rod O'Connor, sister-in-law, Kathy Stotesbery; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
With nine children, most of Arlys's time was spent being a mother and caretaker to her family. She did find time to work as a seamstress out of her home and later as a barmaid when she worked with Wayne. During the summers, she would take her children out to Lake Toqua and sew as they played in the water. Arlys was a wonderful cook, often preparing a traditional Sunday dinner of fried chicken and mashed potatoes that her family loved so much. With nine children, the time that Arlys took to cook, bake, and sew was her personal time but even then she went about her tasks with her family in mind.
Arlys had a wonderful sense of humor and loved nothing more than to tell stories, jokes, and to sing and dance. In the morning, she would sit down with her cup of coffee and work on the crossword puzzle from the paper, often times finishing. She also enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage and pinochle, as well as board games. Somehow, she found the time to walk two miles every day throughout her life. Outside of home, she was a member of the Ladies Circle at Holy Rosary for many years. Her loving memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Arlys passed away Thursday, June 14, 2007 at the Holy Trinity Hospital in Graceville, MN. She is preceded in death by her son, Bill O'Connor; parents, Walter and Antonia Zimmerman; and siblings, Kenny Zimmerman, Ivan Zimmerman, Irene Duin, Izzy Vader, and Virginia Curtis.
Arlys is survived by her beloved husband, Wayne O'Connor; and eight children, Dennis O'Connor of Fargo, ND, Maureen (Roger) Schwagel of Beardsley, MN, Mark (Susanne) O'Connor of Fulda, Germany, Kathy (Dana) Dane of Stuttgart, Germany, Connie (Al) Jensen of New Prague, MN, Carol (Howie Beyer) O'Connor of Minneapolis, MN, Patti (Kelly) Stotesbery of Big Stone City, SD, and Steven (Jane) O'Connor of Moorhead, MN. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, Angie & Tim Schwagel; Christopher O'Connor; Will & Grace Dane; Andrew, Kyle, Scott & Katie Jensen; Nicholas, Taylor & Shannon Stotesbery; and Billy & Patrick O?Connor; one great-grandson, Jason Patrick Hirt; two sisters, Bernice Madsen and Judy Gregory; brother-in-law, Rod O'Connor, sister-in-law, Kathy Stotesbery; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.