Dr. John Charles O'Connor

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. John Charles O'Connor, age 67, on October 22, 2024, after numerous health challenges, including Type 1 diabetes since the age of thirteen. While we will miss his presence here, we are comforted that he is no longer suffering.
He was born on January 28 th, 1957, in Newark, New Jersey to Richard P. O'Connor Sr. and Ruth C. (Kupfer) O'Connor. His family moved to Edina, MN and Des Plaines, IL where he spent his childhood. John was a member of the 1975 class at Forest View High School before proceeding to go to Augustana College, where he graduated in 1979. He went on to pursue a career in the field of medicine, attending the University of Illinois Medical School where he received his Medical Degree.
He then attended the University of Iowa where he completed his residency and went on to a career in Pathology. He worked for one year at the Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Illinois, before joining Pathology Associates in Dubuque, IA. Along with his clinical practice he served as the chief medical examiner of Dubuque County. He was very passionate about his work and served as a conscientious, respectful, and moral advocate for his patients and their families.
John loved making people laugh with his signature brand of humor and had a very contagious chuckle. He was a skilled musician, enjoying the jazz and brass band genres, which highlighted his love of the trombone. He instilled his love of music in his children, all three of them playing the trombone because of his influence. Another love he passed on to his children was aviation, attending many airshows with them. He loved traveling, and planning trips with his family was one of his greatest joys. He stayed informed on current events, always advocating for civic engagement. He thoroughly enjoyed cooking and sharing a delicious meal with the people he loved, and always saved room for dessert.
Most importantly, he was thoroughly dedicated to his family, putting them before himself and ensuring that their needs were met. His children made him so proud, and he enjoyed sharing stories and conversations with them. He was a patient, fun, and loving father - always the teacher, and greatly enjoyed any time spent with them. He also enjoyed talking to his sister and brother any chance he could get, as they shared an incredibly special bond. He loved getting updates about his niece and nephew's kids and enjoyed watching them grow up. He took delight in sharing meaningful connections with everyone he met. John loved deeply, and anyone who knew him was lucky to have had his presence in their life.
John is survived by his three beloved children: Alec of West Lafayette, IN, Aaron of Dubuque, and Anna of Iowa City; his sister and her husband, Peggy O'Connor and Albert Bartek Jr., of Lincoln, NE, his sister-in-law, Anitra O'Connor of Peoria, IL.; his former wife Karla O'Connor of Dubuque; his nieces, nephews, and great nieces; and many special cousins and friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Richard and Ruth O'Connor, and brother, Dr. Richard O'Connor Jr. To honor John's memory, a private service is being held in Fremont, Nebraska.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family respectfully asks the consideration of donations to the American Diabetes Association or Augustana College's Public Health Department in Rock Island, IL.
A special thank you to Aaron and Peggy for their diligent and attentive care of John for the past several years.