Edward John O'Connor Jr.

Edward John O’Connor Jr., Age 83, died peacefully in the presence of his wife and four daughters on March 3, 2024.

Edward was born on December 29, 1940 in St. Louis, MO to Edward and Virginia O’Connor.

He graduated from DeAndris High School, spent two years at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary (Cardinal Glennon College) and then continued his education at St. Louis University earning his degree in Industrial Psychology in 1962.

Following graduation and military service he worked at McDonell Aircraft Corporation and Dow Chemical Company.  He was a longstanding employee of A.O. Smith Corporation where he spent 28 of his 35 years in Milwaukee, retiring as Corporate Vice President of Human Resources and Public Affairs.

His passion for his profession and community was reflected in his service on numerous boards and committees including- American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, St. Anne’s, Management Resource Association, Labor Policy Association, National Society for Human Resource Management, Public Affairs Council of the Business Round Table, American Society for Personnel Administration, Milwaukee Rotary Club, The Wisconsin State Council on Economic Education, Milwaukee Inroads, American Lung Association, Catholic Memorial High School, St. Dominic’s Parish and School, Mount Mary University, United Way, Boy Scouts of America, The Executive Club of the Milwaukee Brewers, MAPI, Industrial Relations of Resources and Research Associations, Governors Council on Business and Education and A.O. Smith Foundation.  He was a recipient of the American Red Cross Lifetime Honorary Directory Award. 

An Irishman with a quick wit, a beautiful smile and heart that was cherished by many. He was unselfish with his time, and an attentive listener who inspired others to use their strengths for the greater good.

His character ran far deeper than his professional endeavors. He was a devout Catholic, an incredible loving husband, a protective and supportive father, a loving grandfather (Papa), a compassionate son, a devoted brother, uncle, and friend.

He took great joy in family vacations, pride in his children and grandchildren’s sporting and academic events, and treasured nothing more than spending time with CJ, his loving wife of 60 years!

Preceded in death by his parents Edward and Virginia O’Connor; sister Mary Koester; Father and Mother In-Law Hubert and Aurelia Hausner and nephew Brendan Collins.

Edward is survived by the love of his life Carol, daughters Kathy (Pete) Mueller, Kelly (Dave) Von Rueden, Kerry (Brad) Musselman and Kristin (Jon) Sohn; grandchildren Ali, Lauren and Meghan (TJ) Schrank, John and Grace Von Rueden, Madison, Mia and Jack Musselman, Michael, Ryan and Kate Sohn; sister Patricia (Tim) Collins, nephew Kevin Collins and niece Meghann (Brian) Robertson and their children Lelia and Naomi and nephews Rick and Bill Koester.

Services will be held on Saturday April 13th at St. Dominic’s Catholic Parish in Brookfield, WI.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 12:00 immediately followed by Mass and Committal and Military Honors outside in the Prayer Garden.

Reception to follow at Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Dominic’s and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.