Dr. James T. "Doc" O’Connor, 86, Polo, died on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, at Polo Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
Doc was born on Oct. 21, 1929 in Ionia County, Michigan, the son of James F. and Katherine (Lawless) O’Connor.
He married Dorothy Westrick on Feb. 22, 1952, in Ionia, Michigan.
Doc was an avid Michigan State fan, was past president of Northern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association, and served on the board of directors for Polo National Bank and Edgewood Golf Course.
He was one of the founders of the Polo Nursing Home, a member of the Polo Lions Club and St. Mary Church, Polo.
Doc wrote a column for the Tri-County Press, loved to travel, golf, hunt, or anything else outdoors.
Survivors include wife Dorothy; daughters, Susan Zook, Polo, Pat (Mike) Rosek, Crystal Falls, Michigan, Margaret “Peg” (Bob) Govett, Plover, Wisconsin, Kate (Ed) Hardy, Marietta, Georgia, Kerrie (David) Peterson, Polo; sons, Jim (Christina Grogan) O’Connor, Polo, Tim (Susan) O’Connor, Mt. Carroll, Dan (Dru) O’Connor, Traverse City, Michigan; sisters, Jane Finch, Lowell, Michigan, and Joie (Bill) Spencer, Muskegon, Michigan; 21 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by son, Michael John O’Connor; sister, Joann Archambeau; and granddaughter, Lauren O’Connor.
Memorial visitation will be Monday, Feb. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Polo Family Funeral Home, 110 E. Dixon St.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Polo, with Rev. Joseph P. Naill, officiating.
Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Polo.
Since the Lenten season prevents flowers from being brought into the church, memorials may be directed to the James T. O’Connor Memorial Fund.
Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.