Lewistown- Monsignor Robert W. O’Connor, 92, of Lewistown, passed away at 8:55 AM Thursday September 10, 2015 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton.
He was born April 13, 1923 at Rock Island, IL; the son of Richard and Lillian (Byrns) O’Connor. Surviving are several cousins including Richard and Betty Jean Kunzweiler of Palatine, Corrina Kassing of Mt. Sterling, Donald Harper of Quincy, and Jim Harper of Clayton. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Richard O’Connor Jr.
Monsignor O’Connor studied for the priesthood at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA; St. Louis Preparatory Seminary, and Kenrick Seminary. He was ordained by Archbishop Joseph Schlarman on April 4, 1948 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. He served as parochial vicar at St Columbia’s in Ottawa and St. Mary’s in Canton for six years each, before being assigned in 1960 to be parish priest at St. Mary’s of Lewistown and St. Michael’s of St. David. He served those parishes for 50 years until his retirement in November of 2010. Over the years he oversaw the construction of a new church and hall for each parish, and a new rectory in Lewistown. He had a lot of fond memories of all his parishioners and spoke of their spirit and cooperation.
His funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lewistown with Bishop Daniel Jenky and Father David Whiteside officiating. A visitation will be held Sunday from 4-6 PM at St. Mary’s in Lewistown with a rosary service at 6:00 PM. Burial will in Mt. Sterling Catholic Cemetery at 2:00 PM on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church in Lewistown or St. Michael’s Church in St. David. Condolences may be made at www.henrylange.com
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