1920
Roderick
2008
Roderick O'Connor
April 5, 1920 — February 17, 2008
Roderick William O'Connor, son of William and Gertrude (Schutz) O'Connor, was born April 5, 1920 in Graceville, Minnesota. He grew up in Graceville and received his schooling at the St. Mary's Academy. After graduating, Rod worked for a short time in the CCC Camps in northern Minnesota before enlisting in the U.S. Army on October 10, 1941. During his time in the Army, he served with the 56th Armored Infantry in campaigns in Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe, and received the Bronze Star, the American Defense Service Ribbon, the American Theater Service Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal 45. Rod was honorably discharged from the Army on December 10, 1945. On January 8, 1947, he began working as an assembly worker at the Ford Motor Plant in St. Paul, where he continued to work for the next 30 years. On August 3, 1963, he was united in marriage to Winnefred 'Winnie' Bolinger in Minneapolis. The couple made their home in Minneapolis until Rod retired from the Ford Plant. At that time, they moved back to Graceville, where Rod could hunt and fish anytime he desired. Winnie died on May 28, 1997, and Rod continued to live in Graceville since that time.
Rod was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and was also active in the Toqua Sportsmen's Club. Some of his favorite hobbies included hunting and fishing; traveling with Winnie; dabbling in photography, and he always loved spending time with his entire family.
Rod was finally reunited with Winnie, the love of his life, on February 17, 2008, when he passed away at the Holy Trinity Hospital in Graceville having lived to reach the age of 87 years.
He is survived by one sister: Kathy (Howard) Stotesbery of Graceville; two sisters-in-law: Connie Ryan of San Francisco, CA and Marland 'Lovey' (Daniel) Beeman of Winona, MN; one brother-in-law: David (Barbara) Bolinger of Sioux Falls, SD and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; two brothers: Leonard and Wayne and one sister, Eileen Geyer.
Pallbearers for the service are: Michael Billiet, Nick Stotesbery, Taylor Stotesbery, Tim Schwagel, Andy Jensen, Kyle Jensen and Scott Jensen. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Seifert, Frank Gunther, Robroy Ashmore and Dennis Viacrucis. Deb Farwell will serve as organist for the service, with Rollie & Phyllis Bruer and Doris Taffe serving as song leaders.
Rod was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and was also active in the Toqua Sportsmen's Club. Some of his favorite hobbies included hunting and fishing; traveling with Winnie; dabbling in photography, and he always loved spending time with his entire family.
Rod was finally reunited with Winnie, the love of his life, on February 17, 2008, when he passed away at the Holy Trinity Hospital in Graceville having lived to reach the age of 87 years.
He is survived by one sister: Kathy (Howard) Stotesbery of Graceville; two sisters-in-law: Connie Ryan of San Francisco, CA and Marland 'Lovey' (Daniel) Beeman of Winona, MN; one brother-in-law: David (Barbara) Bolinger of Sioux Falls, SD and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; two brothers: Leonard and Wayne and one sister, Eileen Geyer.
Pallbearers for the service are: Michael Billiet, Nick Stotesbery, Taylor Stotesbery, Tim Schwagel, Andy Jensen, Kyle Jensen and Scott Jensen. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Seifert, Frank Gunther, Robroy Ashmore and Dennis Viacrucis. Deb Farwell will serve as organist for the service, with Rollie & Phyllis Bruer and Doris Taffe serving as song leaders.