Bernard Bart O'Connor

Bernard Bart O'Connor Bernard Bart O'Connor, 77 Hill St., Dubuque, Iowa, 76, died Friday, December 15, 2006 at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque. Services will be at 10:30am Tuesday at St. Raphaels Cathedral. Friends may call from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Wahlert Catholic High School, 2005 Kane St. Burial services will be private. Bernie was born January 26, 1930 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Son of Bart and Elizabeth O'Connor. Bernie graduated from St. Francis High School in Council Bluffs in 1947. Bernie married Suzann Hickey September 1, 1956 in Council Bluffs. Bernie is survived by five children; Son Matthew; wife Tracey and two grandsons Liam and Seamus of Hopkinton, IA. Son John; wife Raquel of Idleyld Park, OR. Daughter Polly; husband Steve Kaiser and grand-daughter Cora O'Connor of Dubuque. Daughter Martha; husband Rob Leigh of Dubuque. Daughter Erin; and grandson Sequoia O'Connor of New York City, NY; sister, Jane E. (Roger) Henderson of Council Bluffs; and sister-in-law, Mary K. Hickey. Bernie served in the United States Coast Guard from 1951 – 1954. He entered Creighton University for one year, transferred to Loras College and graduated with an English degree in 1959. Bernie later received a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1969 from Loras. Bernie O'Connor lived a life dedicated to his family, catholic education, and young people throughout the Dubuque area. Bernie exemplified the phrase "do what you love and you will never work another day". His 47 years as a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, and dean at Dubuque Wahlert High School was centered around the students he worked with every day. Bernie started his career at Wahlert when the school first opened its doors in 1959. He began as an English teacher, coach, and Physical Education instructor. Later he was a Guidance Counselor and Dean. Bernie started the boys and girls tennis programs at Wahlert. He received multiple Mississippi Valley Conference coaching honors. In 1997 he won National tennis coach of the year honor. Through his career at Wahlert, Bernie coached sophomore and freshman basketball, sophomore football and varsity tennis. Bernie was and accomplished referee. With his long-time officiating partner Gene Glab of Dubuque he traveled over all of eastern Iowa for 30 years and refereed the Iowa High School Boys Basketball state tournament 13 years. He was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame in 1990. Bernie loved the students and teachers at Wahlert. He was a gentle man who touched the hearts of many. He was always there for kids when they needed him most. He was dedicated to teaching respect and responsibility and he personified those qualities through his actions every day. Bernard was preceded in death by his wife Suzann and daughters Catherine (Katy) and Bridget O'Connor. In lieu of flowers, a Bernard B. O'Connor memorial fund has been established. Proceeds will go to a Scholarship fund for Wahlert and finishing touches at the "Bernie O'Connor Tennis Facility". The family would like to thank the staff of Stonehill Care Center for all the fantastic care and comfort and love provided to Bernie during his time at the care center.