John R. O'Connor, 74, lifelong resident of the Village of Howard, passed away from natural causes on Monday, May 22, 2023. John was born October 28, 1948 and is the son of the late Leo and Esther O'Connor.

John is survived by his loving wife Sue and his 3 daughters and families: Cortney (Sam) George, Shana (Michael) Wolf and Katie (Scott) Kattengell. Grandchildren are Ainsley and Griffin George, Isabella and Olivia Wolf, Adler and Oliver Kattengell. John is also survived by his step children: Jodi Seymour (fiancé Ben Goggins) and Josh (Tonia) Seymour along with the following grandchildren: Jessica (Taylor) Johnson,  Austin Ward, Benjamin Blaney, Logan Seymour, Brody Zeinert, Kira Zeinert, Emily Goggins, Tommy Goggins and great grandson Crew Johnson. John's siblings: Patrick (Rita) O'Connor, Kathleen (David) Schumacher, Kevin (Jeanne) O'Connor and Mary Vigo and many nieces and nephews. Brother and sister in laws: Steve (Joann) Steeno and Scott (Leslie) Steeno. John had a very special relationship with his mother in law (Geraldine Steeno), she loved John very much.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in in death by his brother in law, Conrad Vigo and father in law, Wilbert Steeno.

John attended St. John the Baptist grade school, and then went onto Premontre High School. John then completed several courses and fire service training at NWTC.

John spent over 30 years at Fort Howard Paper, retiring as a foreman. John spent 35 years serving the Howard Fire Department; he held the title of Fire Chief for 14 years until he retired in 2009. After retirement, he continued to be an active member of the Howard Police and Fire Commission.

John spent many years ushering with his wife Sue at St. John the Baptist Church. John enjoyed gardening and took pride in his lawn care as well. John loved tractors, he refurbished a 1948 Farmall H, he loved helping on The O'Connor farm as a teenager and driving this tractor when it was new. We had together a fun hobby: riding in our corvette with many friends and joining the corvette club.

John was loved and respected by many family and friends, he will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life for John will be held at St. John the Baptist Church (2597 Glendale Ave; entrance directly across from the BP gas station) on Thursday, June 15, 2023, with Pfotenhauer Funeral Home, Howard-Suamico, in charge of services. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and mass to immediately follow. Online condolences are welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com.

We would like to thank our family, neighbors, and special friends for all the support and help during John's illness. Last but certainly not least, want to thank and praise the epic medical attention John received by The Village of Howard /Brown County officers, the rescue squad professionals, and all the Nurses/physicians during John's life journey.