Celebration of Life Gathering: Saturday, August 28, 2021, 4:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., O’Connor home backyard, 300 Washington Avenue, Pacific Junction, Iowa.
JOHN BERNARD O’CONNOR, 77 of Pacific Junction, Iowa died Saturday, July 10, 2021 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The family is planning a Celebration of Life at a future date.
John was born August 27, 1943 in Omaha, Nebraska to Bernard John and Louise (Cherek) O’Connor. He grew up in the Irish-Catholic neighborhoods of South Omaha. John started his working days at Hinky Dinky grocery, spending 18 years with their produce department warehouse. He later became interested in law enforcement and started off as a member of the Mills County Reserve Deputy Association in 1985. Two years later he answered an ad for a police officer position with the Glenwood Police Department and was hired on. In 2000 he was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Glenwood and held that post until his retirement in 2009. He was very proud of the community policing efforts and equipment advances that occurred during his tenure with the department.
John had two children, Michael and Micaela. He was united in marriage to Kimberly Christine Stewart on May 15, 1993 in Pacific Junction, Iowa. He loved to visit with family and friends and always left a positive impact on everyone he met. John was known to embellish stories and was very skilled at delivering those stories with a straight face to fool the recipient. John also loved tinkering around the yard and home and just being outdoors. He also loved to travel with his wife Kim. They took multiple trips to Mexico and enjoyed visiting his daughter in Colorado. John and Kim enjoyed hiking as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter. Food was always a love language for John and he would often sneak treats into his kids’ and grandkids’ pockets. In recent years he relished time with his great-grandchildren. His kind nature, sharp wit and wry sense of humor will be greatly missed by many.
John was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Louise O’Connor, his son Michael Patrick O’Connor and his brother Dennis O’Connor.
John is survived by wife Kim O’Connor of Pacific Junction, Iowa; daughter Micaela and husband Scott Gilchrist of Omaha, Nebraska; granddaughter Mandy and husband Chris Parks of Atlantic, Iowa and their children Carson and Greta; step-daughter Sara Johnson of Glenwood, Iowa; grandson Ian Gilchrist of Omaha, Nebraska; brother Mark and wife Cindy Zych of Blair, Nebraska; sister Colleen O’Connor of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Memorial donations may be directed to the family.
22 Condolences
John was a great man who always made time to laugh and joke he will be missed.
You were so important in my life big brother. You will always be in my heart.
So sorry to hear of the loss of John. Hoping he is able to meet up with his son Michael. My sincere condolences to Kim , Michaela, Colleen and all family and friends.
Please accept my my deepest sympathy.
Uncle John, you were one of the best men I’ve known. A strong figure who was always funny with a dry sense of humor, and a big heart. You will truly be missed deeply. I’m grateful for all the memories we got to share.
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. A good guy who will be missed by all who knew him. I am glad I had a nice visit with John the last of May. Thoughts and prayers to Kim and all of John’s family.
Our hen parties won’t be the same without you sitting in the other room, pretending like you weren’t paying any attention to us but we knew you were secretly listening. Thank you, John, for being everything Kim could have asked for.
So sorry and quite devastated when I heard the news, I’ve known John for about 50 years he is the one who told me, in his words “ Curtis your with child” and I was pregnant beyond all odds. He will be missed.
What a delight John and Kim been to know through the years. Your support of our Radio Shack was a blessing. John will certainly be missed. Love, thoughts and prayers to you all.
Mark & Brenda Bai
Our condolences to John’s family. Sorry for your loss.
Some years ago at a family gathering, John took the time to share some important family history with me. I will always remember his kindness. Our prayers are with you.
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing. Our condolences to the family. John was a great man and will be missed.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Shocked and saddened to learn of John passing away. I had some wonderful fun times over the many years working with John and will always remember and cherish them. My sincere sympathy to Kim and family.
So very sorry. Rest in peace, John..
Mandy and family, were so surprised to read that John has passed. Thinking of you and your famiy at this time.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Prayers for Kim and all the family.
Kim, I am so very sorry to learn of John’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Long distant prayers to Kim and Family!
Deepest sympathy Kim.
Enjoyed working with John as a reserve deputy. RIP
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