John Henry O'connor

FREMONT TOWNSHIP

John Henry O'Connor, age 83 of Fremont Township passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025 at home.

He was born on September 24, 1942. Son of the late Russell and Sue (Cross) O'Connor. Today we honor the life of a remarkable man, John whose strength, spirit, and unshakable resilience left an imprint on every life he touched. After more than sixty years of living with paralysis, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by the people who adored him. Confined to a wheelchair but never confined in spirit, John lived a life defined not by limitations, but by possibility. What began as a life-altering injury became the foundation of an extraordinary story-one filled with courage, humor, and a refusal to let adversity define him. He spent decades proving that true power does not come from the body but from the heart. He was born a farmers son and farming was always part of him. For more than six decades, he inspired everyone who crossed his path: family, friends, caregivers, community members, and strangers who became lifelong admirers after only a single conversation with him. He had a way of turning hardship into hope, of lifting others even on the days when he struggled himself. His wisdom was quiet but deep, his kindness effortless, and his perseverance legendary. He is survived by his loving wife, Colleen; daughters, Tracy Kritzman, Angie (Mark) Krzysiak; 5 grandchildren- Jennifer (Josh) Appleby, Ryan Rightenburg, Kelsey (Justin) Levitt, Cody Swarts and Connor (Lauren) Campbell. 5 great grandchildren, Gaven, Lily, Laken, Greyson, and baby Cooper. Many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Frank and a sister Sandra Balut. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday December 13, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Ava Maria Parish- St. Denis Catholic Church in Lexington, Michigan. Memorials may be made to the family.

May he rest in peace, finally free of all earthly constraints, knowing he changed countless lives simply by being who he was.