Gary O'Connor

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.