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Funeral services will take place on Monday, August 14, 2017 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a rosary service at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 13 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.



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In memory of

Chuck O'Connor

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the Hans P. Peterson Hospital in Philip at the age of 80

Welcoming their ten and a half pound baby boy Charles “Chuck” Joseph O’Connor to the world on March 19, 1937, were his parents, Catherine (Murphy) and FJ O’Connor. He quickly grew into an energetic young boy who was joined by four siblings: Rita, Bill, Paula, and Jim. He attended St. Marten’s Academy for one year during his elementary school years before continuing and finishing his education in Philip.

In high school, he made money breaking horses so he could take Shirley to the movies. The first car ride he ever gave her was the scariest ride of her life, and she swore she would never ride with him again (but she rode with him for 62 years). He followed her through school and all the way to Oregon before marrying her on November 12, 1955. To earn money, they picked peaches and worked in a cannery in Oregon so they could buy a car and move back to the ranch in South Dakota. When they made it home, all that was left in their pockets was $7.50, and that is how their story began.

Ranching was his passion, and Chuck loved the cowboy way of life. Whether it be roping calves out of the back of a pickup, doing a roundup on a lope, or going on long cattle drives, there was always excitement wherever Chuck was. Over the years, he progressed from riding horses to riding four wheelers. He had a unique way of training cattle, with a different method in each instance. Chuck loved to drive, and he was often seen making dust fly by pulling a trailer up and down the road. He was never without a joke or a story to make others laugh, and his wisdom was endless. Chuck had a way of making others laugh, and he never went anywhere that he didn’t run into an old acquaintance or make a new friend. His Irish wit and sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Outside of ranching, Chuck was involved in various activities. He enjoyed acting in community plays, he was a board member of the Stockgrowers Association as well as the school board. One of his bigger thrills was racing his horse “Crazy Horse” in the Bad River Suicide Ride. He even chased his roots to Ireland on a trip of a lifetime. At work or play, he made the most of every day.

Family members grateful for sharing his life include Shirley, his wife of 62 years; one daughter, Shelly (Mike) Peris of Butte, MT; two sons Tim (Susan) O’Connor of Henderson, NV, and Todd (Laura) O’Connor of Philip; nine grandchildren Tiekola Fortune, Tomlin O’Connor, Jennifer Murgatroy, Sean Peris, Travis, Caleb, and Tara O’Connor, and Race and Paige O’Connor; seven great-grandchildren, Randall Chance “R.C.” Marymee, Olivia and Wyatt Murgatroy, Gavin Peris, Hunter O’Connor, Karisma Devarona, and Noah Faria; one brother, James “Jim” (Phyllis) O’Connor of Cheyenne, WY; brothers-in-law, John Tavernier of Coos Bay, OR, Chuck Tavernier of Eugene, OR, and Frank Narcisian of Golden, CO; sisters-in-law, Rhoda (Ted) Lufkin of St. Helens, OR, Virginia Tavernier of Coos Bay, OR, June Tavernier of Escondido, CA, and Sandra O’Connor-Gittings (Leo) of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Chuck was preceded in death by his son, Thomas “Tom” O’Connor; his parents; one brother William “Bill” O’Connor, two sisters Rita Narcisian and Paula O’Connor; and six brothers-in-law Roger, Boyd, Jimmy Lee, Bob, Larry, and Mike Tavernier.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 13 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.


Open the Memorial Folder


VISITATION
5-7 p.m. with a rosary service at 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Monday, August 14, 2017 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Gary Oreshoski

ASSISTED BY
Deacon Lloyd Frein

MUSIC
Marianne Frein – Pianist
Shelby Schofield – Cantor
“Parting Glass”
"I Am The Bread of Life"
"Pastures of The Lord"
"Taste And See"
"Gift of Finest Wheat"
"O Loving God"
“Lead Me Lord”

ALTAR SERVERS
John Schofield and Sammie Schofield

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Lester and JoAnn Pearson

USHERS
Branden West - Zack West

LECTOR
Annie Brunskill

PALLBEARERS
J.R. Snyder - Jake Fitzgerald
Dean Heeb - Brennan Daly
Mike Gebes - Scott Fitzgerald

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Lorita Nelson and Denise Nelson
Mednansky Family and Friends
Those who worked with or around Chuck
Friends and Family in Attendance

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

  • My deepest sympathy to the family. Chuck was a great man that I loved to visit with when I worked at the Vet clinic. May memories help comfort you during this difficult time. ~ Marcia Haukaas Winner, SD (8/16/2017)
  • Shirley, our sincerest condolences and prayers to you and the family. It is with sadness and fond memories we remember chuck as a neighbor and friend. We knew that if a cloud of dust was coming down the road it was Chuck, He left us great memories of the snake stories he would tell about our dad and the great humor that was such a gift in his life. ~ Virginia, Marvin and Patty Cronk Tulsa Oklahoma (8/16/2017)
  • Sorry for your loss ~ Tommy odom Austin texas (8/15/2017)
  • Shirley, Shelly, Tim, Todd and families--my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband and dad. I always appreciated his smile and sense of humor when I would have coffee with the "old guys". I loved his engagement with the world-it made any conversation with him interesting and entertaining! He will be missed. ~ Jeanene Kroetch New York, NY (8/14/2017)
  • My sincere condolences to your family. When I hear Chuck's name, all I can think about is that big smile. I remember going to the sale barn with my dad on sale day, and Chuck was always surrounded by a crowd and was telling a story. Everyone around him was smiling and laughing too. He had a gift, and I know he will be deeply missed by you and the community. You have my prayers for strength and peace. ~ Christy (Kennedy) Webley Huntsville, AL (8/14/2017)
  • We are so sad to hear the news of Chuck's passing....may you be comforted during the great time of sadness xo ~ Ginger Broderick New York City (8/14/2017)
  • Thoughts and prayers go out to the family during these hard times! Chuck will be missed by many! ~ Leslie O'Connell Rapid City, South Dakota (8/14/2017)
  • Shirley &famley Sorry to here about Chuck there won't be another one likeChuck the community lost another great Leader.
     ~ Hugh Harty& Ann Owanka S. D. (8/14/2017)
  • Shirley & family, Jerry & I send You all our sincerest thoughts & Prayers; We can not even imagine the heartache and loss that You all feel. Hold tight to Your faith in God, and call on him often for comfort & Peace. Our deepest thoughts & Prayers, Kathy & Jerry ~ Jerry & Kathy Noteboom 21309 Cabin Rd. (8/14/2017)
  • Shirley and family I am so sorry for your loss. Chuck was a great man that I admired. He was kind and one of a kind and it was a pleasure to work for him. I have many fond memories of the O' Conner family may God bless you all in your time of need. ~ William Tyler VanOurkerk Wadena, MN (8/14/2017)
  • Our condolences and prayers to Shirley and the rest of the family. Chuck was a wonderful person and will be missed. The visits to the ranch, as few as they were given our distance, will always be fondly remembered.
    Our sincerest condolences,
    The Blizzard Family
     ~ Paul Blizzard Alpharetta, GA (8/14/2017)
  • Shirley & Family-My sincere sympathy to all of you. Chuck could always bring a smile and laughter to any room he entered. He always made time as he was running here and there to visit a bit and catch up. Hold the good times and great memories you have close to your heart and share them with one another to remember him. He will be greatly missed by many. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Wendy Cook Cottonwood, SD (8/14/2017)
  • Shirley and families, Can't imagine what your all going thru right now. Know there were no dull moments all those years with Chuck, so know you will have many happy memories to laugh about in the time to come. My prayers have been for you all for months and will continue. Love Connie Lee ~ Connie Lee Midland, TX (8/14/2017)
  • Shirley and family you have my deepest sympathy. Chuck was such a great person. Even though I have been gone from Philip a long time but if I happened to be home and ran into him on the street he always knew me and would stop and talk. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thoughts and Prayers. ~ Lloyd Royer 1076 Windsor Ct Waukee IA 50263 (8/14/2017)
  • I can remember when your oldest son was young and you would bring him to church. He would not want to sit still. Chuck would sit in the back of the church and take his shoes off and let him get down and play. It was a very long time ago. My thoughts are with your family. Kind of fun remembering the fun thing in Philip ~ Dorothy Lamm McKinney Rapid City (8/14/2017)
  • Shirley and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Justin always enjoyed visiting with Chuck and sharing a laugh or two. Two losses in such a short time is such a heartbreak. ~ Justin or Joyce Wheeler 24208 Fairview Rd (8/14/2017)
  • The Hamill Family adds their sincerest sympathies to Shirley and her family-what terrible losses you have endured. We knew Chuck as a funny man that loved to tell a tale. We will miss seeing him and 'shooting the bull'. He always had a good bit of information to share. We will add you to our daily prayers in the days and weeks ahead. Blessings to the O'Connor Family. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill, Nick and Carson Milesville, SD (8/14/2017)
  • Dear Shirley and family, Chuck was a good friend and a great philosopher! He will be missed by many! So sorry for your loss. ~ Emil Magnuson Rapid City ,Sd (8/14/2017)
  • Shirley and family, So sorry to hear about Chuck. Always remember the times he and Dickie Wms gave us fits when we all rented from Mildred and Blake years ago! He never let us forget it. Do know you are in our prayers and thoughts during this truly sad time of the loss of your son and Chuck. Sincerely, Cork and Bev ~ Cork & Bev Jahner Kerrville, Texas (8/13/2017)
  • Shirley, Todd and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss.
    Chuck always made me feel welcome and we always laughed together, he could always put a smile on my face. He was a joy to deal with. Sending prayers.     ~ Charlie Vollmer Washington (8/13/2017)
  • Our sympathy to you Shirley and your family as you suffer the loss of Chuck and your son. My heart grieves with you. The O'Connors and the Sandals spent many happy times together growing up so it is almost like losing a family member. We have many good memories as you do. Prayers for all. ~ Lowell & Jo Ann Miles Hartford, SD (8/13/2017)
  • My heartfelt sympathy with you all in the loss of Chuck. He will always be remembered for his smile and caring ways. Sending prayers to you all. ~ Bonnie Fitzgerald Memphis, TN (8/13/2017)
  • Sorry for your loss ~ Gary Ferguson Huron sd (8/13/2017)
  • Really saddened to hear of Chuck's passing as well as your son. My time of knowing Chuck goes back a long ways and have many good memories of knowing him. ~ Jim Waddell Sahuarita AZ (8/13/2017)
  • We are thinking of you, Shirley, and your family. Loved Chuck's smile, listening to his jokes, and laughing at his stories. Memories are what Chuck leaves for all. Remember the good times. ~ Jim and Vonnie O'Dea Howes, SD (8/13/2017)
  • We are thinking of all you folks during this difficult time. Chuck was quite a guy, always had a joke to tell. Les enjoyed these last few years working with Chuck, lots of stories to tell, Hold onto all the memories, he will be missed. Prayers to everyone, ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (8/13/2017)
  • Shirley, and family,
    I am so saddened with your loss of Chuck. Always liked his sense of humor. Chuck was such a great guy. He will certainly be missed.
    May God Bless You & Keep You, In This Time Of Sorrow. 🙏🏻🙏🏻     ~ Tracy Owens Rapid City SD (8/12/2017)
  • Shirley and family sending my deepest condolences to you all for all of your losses. I will send up prayers for comfort. ~ Bonnie Moses Nebraska (8/12/2017)
  • My thoughts and prayers go out to you and family. I know that it is very hard at this time but know that our prayers will be with you and your family. I remember the fun things we all did while I lived in Philip. Just remember all the good things and times that you all had together. ~ NORMA(CRONK)KNIGHT RAPID CITY,SD (8/12/2017)
  • Thinking of you & your family hoping it helps in some simply
    way to know that I care & share in your sadness.
    With my deepest sympathy.
    Bea     ~ Bea Williams Missoula, Mt. (8/12/2017)
  • Our hearts ache for you Shirley and the family, memories are forever love you ~ joann stark and phil stark cottonwood,SD (8/12/2017)
  • Our hearts ache for you in your loss. Our sympathy to you Shirley and family. We cherish the friendship over the years. May memories and your faith keep you in comfort. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (8/12/2017)
  • I would like to extend my sympathy to Shirley and family, also to the rest of the relatives. ~ Gene Broderick Rock Falls, IL (8/12/2017)
  • Shirley & Family, Sorry to hear of Chuck passing. Our prayers and thoughts . ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, S.D. (8/12/2017)
  • So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for your loss. ~ Julie Moses Brown Fairmont Nebraska (8/12/2017)
  • Thinking & sending prayers to all of you. ~ Connie Clements Richards Altoona, IA (8/12/2017)
  • My heart breaks for you Shirley and family. Know this was coming but under the circumstances, you are having to carry such a heavy load. My prayers and love are with you old friend. Know we all loved Chuck and feel his loss so much. Stay strong Shirley and keep looking forward to better days. Love you ~ Janet Humphrey 6814 Lakeland Way (8/12/2017)
  • My heart is heavy with the news of Chuck's passing. I wish to extend my deepest and sincere sympathy to Shirley, your children and grandchildren. My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you, this day. ~ Genelle Marie Diab Crest Hill, IL (8/12/2017)
  • Dear Shirley and family.
    Our sincere condolences for you all. My dad, Clark Morrison, would love to tell stories about Chuck and the exciting things that they did. May your thoughts and memories that hurt right now soon bring smiles and peace for you.
    Our love and prayers,
    Mike and Shar     ~ Mike and Shar Moses Philip South Dakota (8/12/2017)