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In memory of

William G. "Bill" O'Connor

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at his home east of Philip at the age of 69

William G. O’Connor, better known as Bill to his family and friends, was born November 19, 1941, in Pierre, South Dakota, the son of James Francis and Catherine Anna (Murphy) O’Connor. He grew up on a ranch northeast of Philip, graduating from Philip High School.
Bill was united in marriage to Sandra Odom in 1971. They farmed and ranched east of Philip all their married life.
Survivors include his wife Sandra of Philip; one son Marty Burns and his wife Tricia of Philip; three daughters Mitzi Boyd and her husband Bruce of Philip, Sheri Slama and her husband Brooks of Rapid City, and Sharlene Thompson and her husband Nathan of Sioux Falls; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers Charles “Chuck” O’Connor and his wife Shirley of Philip, and Jim O’Connor and his wife Phyllis of Cheyenne, Wyoming; one sister Rita Narcisian and her husband Frank of Golden, Colorado; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by a son Michael; his parents; and one sister Paula O’Connor.
At his request, a private interment took place at Masonic Cemetery in Philip, with Father Bryan Sorensen officiating.

At his request, a private interment took place at Masonic Cemetery in Philip

  • Our sympathy on your loss!! His unique character and sense of humor will always be remembered! Tom even has stories from his uncle Warren OConnell. We have reminisced many times over the O'connors!
     ~ Tom and Shelia Trask Wasta SD (9/28/2011)
  • Sharlene and Family; My thoughts and prayers go out to you all at the difficult time. If God brought you to it he will get you through it. ~ Crystal (Swift) Bruinsma Mitchell, SD (9/28/2011)
  • Our love and prayers are with you. Bill always was such a fun and outgoing guy. I will never forget when we hayed for him and every time I would stop he would always be there to lend a hand. He always had something to tell a story about and always made me laugh whenever I saw him. Bill will be genuinely missed by everyone who knew him.
     ~ Joan and Dennis Kirchhevel Rapid City, SD (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra, Mitzi & Bruce, Marty and Tricia,
    We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Bill was a wonderful man. Whenever we saw him he would always tell storys about Johns grandmother Pearl Aske. He will be greatly missed. God bless.
    ~ John and Alisha Oldenberg Philip, SD (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra and family, our thoughts and prayers have been with you during this hard and difficult time. We will miss Bill and our visits---he had a unique perspective on life that was very interesting. Our sincere sympathy. ~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler 24208 Fairview Rd. (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra and Family:
    So shocked to read of Bill's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.     ~ Dave & Karen Webb & Family Rapid City SD (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra & Family

    Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. May God hold you in the palm of his hands as you walk through this difficult time. It's hard to lose someone you have loved dearly. Cast all your cares on HIM because He cares for you!
    Love & Prayers



     ~ Debbie & Marty Hansen Philip (9/28/2011)
  • My thoughts and prayers are and will be with all of you as you try to adjust to this new normal..life without Bill's presence here on earth, know that he is with you in a whole new way. My sympathy and love are yours. ~ Mary Kay Sandal Plainview, SD (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra, family, and the Occonnor family,

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Bill was in my class in high school. A real character. Stay strong and God Bless you all.     ~ Bill & Paula Poss Lake Mathews, CA (9/28/2011)
  • My symathy of your loss. Bill, was not only a friend but company on some Rapid City runs. God Bless, ~ Ray Wilhelm 330 Flormann St. Rapid City,S.D. (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra and family - our sincere sympathy to you and your family. God Bless. ~ Jolene and Don Haynes Philip (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra. We were so shocked to hear of Bill's passing. Always enjoyed listening to Bill's Stories. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time. ~ Lloyd and Rosi Royer 1076 Windsor Ct Waukee IA 50263 (9/28/2011)
  • So sorry to hear about Bill, my prayers go out to the whole family. God bless you all!
     ~ Ann Roberts fort collins co (9/28/2011)
  • So sorry to hear about Bill, we so enjoyed visiting with him at the cafe in Kadoka. May God Bless the family. Joe and Betty Lou ~ Betty Lou Stratton Kadoka (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra, Marty, Mitzi, Sheri and Sharlene and families:

    I was saddened to hear about Bill's passing. Our prayers will be with Bill and you all during this time.
    You live in a great community, please don't be afraid to ask your friends for help during this time.

    Shane, Carol, Tyler and Riley Matt     ~ Shane Matt 6544 Beverly Drive (9/28/2011)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sandra and family during this difficult time. ~ Marsha and Bill Sumpter Kadoka (9/28/2011)
  • Dear Sandra and Family and all the O'Connors. Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Spoke with him recently and he was in good spirits despite his illness. Many good memories of him. He and I were alter boys together for Father PJ O'Connor.

    Regards,

    Joe and Diana, Brian and Jennifer     ~ Joe & Diana Murphy 2847 Utica Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89146 (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra and family. Our sympathy and prayers are with you at this time. Bruce always looked forward to coffee with Bill and the rest of the gang. The Madsens ~ Bruce and Bonnie Madsen Kadoka S.D. (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra and family; Was sorry to hear of his passing but knowing he is not in pain anymore is comforting. it has been a preasure knowing Bill and listening to his my words of wisdom. Reuben and Pat Vollmer ~ reuben vollmer jr. midland sd (9/28/2011)
  • Sharlene, My thoughts are with you during the loss of your Dad. Be sure to cherish and share your memories of him with your family. God bless, Jenna ~ Jenna Finn Midland (9/28/2011)
  • Sharlene, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the memories you have be with you today and always. God Bless. ~ Julie Gittings Neugebauer Hermosa, SD (9/28/2011)
  • Our sincere thoughts, prayers and sympathy to all of the family. This too shall pass. May God Bless you all.
    The Drurys     ~ Nathan & Brittney Drury Philip (9/28/2011)
  • Sandra and family,
    We are so saddened by the news of Bill"s passing. He was such a light in our lives during the years of being neighbors at Powell and the wonderful visits we had when we came back to visit our mother. We are forever grateful for you and Bill taking care of her. The hospitality you bestowed on us when we were in the vicinity over the years will never be forgotten. How we loved to hear his telling of goings-on and stories that only he could tell. His laughter and positive approach to life made it a joy just to be around him. He had a love for God and his family that he wasn't afraid to express. WE will miss him greatly and we are praying for your comfort and strength. Our trips home will never be the same. Patty Cronk Zinn, Marvin Cronk, Virginia Cronk Johnson     ~ Patty Cronk Zinn 395730 west 3020 Dr.. Ochelata Ok. 74051 (9/28/2011)
  • Bill always had such kind words whenever I was home. My Mother always spoke so highly of him. Paula was a great freind of mine too. He will be so missed. My thoughts and prayers are for the whole family. ~ Susan McKay Bandel Charlotte, NC (9/28/2011)