Ralph O'Connor

VISITATION:

4-7 p.m., Monday, February 18 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel and 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, February 19 at St. Simeon's Episcopal Church, 19058 County Hwy J, Chippewa Falls.

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Tuesday, February 19 at St. Simeon's Episcopal Church, 19058 County Hwy J, Chippewa Falls.

Ralph D. O'Connor, 83, of Chippewa Falls, town of Lafayette, died Thursday, February 14, 2013 at Chippewa Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation in Chippewa Falls.

Born June 12, 1929 in Reedsburg to Verna (Montgomery) and Harry O'Connor, Ralph grew up on the family dairy farm in Excelsior Township and attended Reedsburg High School.

As an undergraduate at UW Madison, Ralph studied chemical engineering. Then, while taking a night course in French during graduate school, he met the love of his life, Edith Vacheron. The two married on March 28, 1959. They moved to Chippewa Falls where Ralph was employed as a personnel manager at the Northern Center until his retirement in 1995.

A true "gentleman and a scholar", Ralph was also skillful with tools - making him a genuine Renaissance man. He enjoyed traveling, both across the U.S. and abroad, reading and studying a great variety of subjects, gardening, caring for his pets, helping with different causes, and - as a longtime member of the Chippewa County Democratic Party- discussing politics and "getting out the vote".

Survivors include his wife, Edith, and daughter Catherine O'Connor of Los Angeles, CA and formerly of Chicago, IL. Both Ralph and Edith enjoyed many years of attending Catherine's theatrical events in both cities.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Eugene O'Connor.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 19 at St. Simeon's Episcopal Church, 19058 County Hwy. J, Chippewa Falls, with Rev. Robert Hoekstra officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Reedsburg.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Monday at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.

Memorials are not expected, but, if people are so moved, a donation to the social cause of your choice could be given.

AFTERSERVICE:

A funeral service for Ralph D. O'Connor, 83, of Chippewa Falls, town of Lafayette, was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 19 at St. Simeon's Episcopal Church, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Robert Hoekstra officiated and music was provided by accompanist Judy Brist, harpist Sandra Ricker and soloist Gary Wendt. Reflections were given by family friends, Chuck Wald, Al Holle and Dominique Thevenin, and daughter, Catherine O'Connor.