June 15, 2020 – West Bend, WI – Barbara J. O’Connor (nee Hofmeister), 84, of West Bend, WI, died on Saturday, June 13, 2020.
She was born August 11, 1935 to the late William and Clara (nee Dentel) Hofmeister in Ackley, Iowa. Barbara graduated from Ackley High School and went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree from Elmhurst College, where she met Gerald. On December 18, 1964 she was united in marriage with Gerald R. O’Connor in St. Louis, MO. Barbara served as a Christian Educator in UCC churches in Sioux City, IA, Sioux Falls, SD, and Grand Rapids, MI. She loved music; played the piano and saxophone and sang in many choral groups. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and knitting. Barbara was a master of correspondence before social media, especially through handwritten notes and cards. She enjoyed meeting and hosting people she met. Barbara especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Gerald O’Connor; two children, David (Lisa) O’Connor of Rockford, IL and Kathryn (Karl) Kuhn of Kiel, WI; five grandchildren, Lauren (Michael) Anderson, Austin O’Connor, Caroline O’Connor, Joshua Kuhn, and Clare Kuhn; one great grandson, Sage O’Connor; her sister-in-law, Diane O’Connor, (Thomas, deceased); two nephews; other relatives and friends.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Partners in Caring Fund at Cedar Community, 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095; Peace UCC, P.O. Box 433 Kewaskum, WI 53040; The Music Fund, First Congregational UCC, 1031 S. Euclid, Sarasota, FL 34237; or Plymouth Harbor, The Chapel Fund, 700 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236.
Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Barbara’s arrangements.
