Rev. Gerald "Jerry" O'Connor

Rev. Gerald “Jerry” O’Connor, 90, of West Bend, WI passed away peacefully at home under hospice care on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Jerry was born in Chicago, IL on August 31, 1935. He was the son of Richard and Mildred (Urlaub) O’Connor. He graduated from Austin High School, Chicago in 1953 and received his B.A. from Elmhurst College in 1958. He went on to graduate from Eden Theological Seminary in 1962 and was ordained at St. Stephan’s United Church of Christ in Chicago. Jerry was united in marriage with Barbara J. Hofmeister for 55 years.

Jerry served many churches and congregations over the years, beginning with St. Lucas UCC and First Congregational UCC in St. Louis, Missouri, followed by St. John UCC and East Congregational UCC in Grand Rapids, Michigan; St. Paul UCC in Middletown, OH; St. Paul UCC in Cincinnati, OH; Gwinnett Community UCC in Atlanta, Georgia; and Emmanuel UCC in Bartlett, IL. Following his first retirement in 1998, he accepted a call in 2001 to become Chaplain at Plymouth Harbor Retirement Community in Sarasota, FL, where he served for 15 years.

In 2016, Jerry and Barbara went against the prevailing trend, moving from Florida to West Bend, Wisconsin to make their home at Cedar Community where their daughter, Rev. Kathryn Kuhn was on staff. They were active members of Peace UCC in Kewaskum. Jerry had a passion for art in its many forms and participated in photography, drawing, watercolor and oil painting, as well as many crafts. He was an avid collector of pens and curator of office/art supplies of all kinds. And books. And music. He loved playing, singing and listening to piano, pipe organ, large choirs, and classical works for orchestra.

Jerry will be missed and is survived by his son, David (Lisa) O’Connor; grandchildren, Lauren (Michael) Anderson, Austin O’Connor, Caroline (Zachary) Watson, Joshua (Giana) Kuhn, and Clare Kuhn; great grandchildren, Sage, Brynn, Isabella, and Elliott; sister-in-law, Diane O’Connor; and nephews, Matt (Sarah) O’Connor and Scot (Michelle) O’Connor.

He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; brother, Thomas; and daughter, Rev. Kathryn Kuhn.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a date to be determined. Inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Ackley, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Elmhurst University (Office of Institutional Advancement, 190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst IL 60126), Eden Theological Seminary (Advancement Office, 475 East Lockwood Ave., St. Louis MO 634119), or Cedar Community Partners in Caring (113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend WI 53095).

The family would like to thank the staff at the Willows of Cedar Community and Common Heart Hospice for their care and compassion.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jerry’s arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.

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