May God bless you and your...
You will be missed
gregory cummings
September 28, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD | Classmate
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Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Gary O'Connor
May 6, 1956 - Sep 18, 2025 (Age 69)
Guest Book
A great guy that was like a brother to all us female riders. A bit ornery at times but a great man who will be missed.
Marcia Buie
September 28, 2025 | Woodland Park, CO | Friend
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Remembered By
HOF
September 28, 2025
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Sorry to hear about my cousin Gary. We spent a number of times together when we were younger growing up in Aberdeen, as out families got together quite often. It has been a number of years now since the last time I visited with him. He was a great guy! I am sorry I didn't get more of a chance to connect with Gary and his family over the years. Life goes by way to fast. My sympathies go out to my cousin Gail and the rest of Gary's family. May God bless you during this difficult time.
Bruce Olson
September 27, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV | Family
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Gary, you were always a hoot to be around, with yur dry sense of humor, yur caring of family, yur love of motorcycles and the open road. You will be missed. Rest in paradise in the best motorcycle garage in heaven. Much love to all who will miss you dearly. Love ya brudder! So sorry to Gail and family for the loss of an intergal part of the family. Love you.
Timothy H Vander Pol
September 27, 2025 | Cape Coral, FL | Family
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Gail,
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I know how hard it is to lose a brother. The last time I saw you was at my brother’s funeral. You have my deepest sympathy.
Deb Barber (Berke)
Deb Barber
September 22, 2025 | Tea, SD
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I will miss your laugh and smile. We will meet again someday.
Corey Schaefer
September 22, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD
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We will miss you dearly, Tiny. See you on the other side.
Diane Wilson & Jeff Anderson
September 20, 2025 | Friend
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"Tiny" was ornery and opinionated just like the rest of us who went to the same 'school'. I would have to plan when I was going to call because I would have to figure for at least an hour or maybe two! He had a huge heart and cared deeply about his family and his friends and he will sorely missed by all of us. There is another hole in our lives that can never be filled in the same way. With love from ALL of us, Please RIP "Tiny"
Jonathan D Hubner
September 19, 2025 | Friend
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Obituary
Gary's Obituary
Gary “Tiny” Francis O’Connor
Gary F. O’Connor, 69, passed away peacefully at Avera McKennan Hospital on September 18, 2025.
Gary was born on May 6, 1956, in Hudson, South Dakota, to Francis and JoAnn O’Connor. His childhood was marked by moves that followed his father’s work until the family settled in Sioux Falls in 1962. There, Gary attended Edison Junior High and Washington High School, where he developed a lifelong love of sports. He wrestled, winning a state championship in the 6th grade, and also enjoyed football, baseball, bowling leagues, and men’s softball.
At the age of 13, Gary discovered his greatest passion—motorcycles—after a ride on a Honda minibike. From that day forward, riding and working on bikes became a lifelong pursuit. One of his most treasured memories was restoring a motorcycle with his dad. He became an active member of Those Guys ABATE, and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), and made countless trips to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where he found joy and camaraderie among fellow riders.
Gary’s first job was at a gas station, where he discovered his knack for mechanics. That skill carried him through years as a welder at Midwest Railcar and Maguire Iron before finishing his career as a truck driver.
On July 18, 1986, Gary was united in marriage to Jeanne O’Connor, and together they welcomed their daughter, Melissa Ann Marie, on October 23, 1987. Though life eventually took them on separate paths, Gary and Jeanne maintained a friendship rooted in shared family love.
Known for being hard-headed and stubborn, Gary was also the life of the party. He loved making people laugh and had a soft, generous heart beneath his tough exterior. A devoted father, brother, and grandfather, Gary loved spending time with his grandchildren, Connor and Taylynn, cheering them on at their sporting events. In quieter moments, he enjoyed watching his beloved San Francisco 49ers.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and JoAnn O’Connor; grandparents, John and Grace O’Connor and Melvin and Hilda Gruis; great-nephew, Andrew Hanneman; mother in law, LaDonna Balk and many other loved ones.
Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter, Melissa O’Connor; former wife, Jeanne O’Connor; sister, Gail VanderPol; grandchildren, Connor and Taylynn Gronseth; niece, Becky (Ryan) Kenyon; along with extended family, friends, and his motorcycle family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Heritage Funeral Home. Family will be present for visitation at 1:00 p.m., with a service beginning at 2:00 p.m., followed by cookies and fellowship to follow.
The service will be livestreamed by zoom at
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82750327919?pwd=LCiwdULswAPGsLSDG98AAKV9IFR6Ms.1
Meeting ID: 827 5032 7919 Passcode: 226751
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