Harold O'Connor

Colonel Harold G. O'Connor, age 87 of Faribault, died Monday, October 24, 2011 at the Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.    Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, in Faribault. Interment with military honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.    Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.    Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.    Colonel Harold G. O'Connor was born July 24, 1924, in Melrose, Minnesota to Edward M. and Kathryn (Neibauer) O'Connor. Harry graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis. He enlisted in the army and was trained as a paratrooper. Following the war, he enrolled at the University of St. Thomas and enlisted in the ROTC.     Harry received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force and was called back to active duty in the Korean War. Stationed in Labrador, he met and married Eleanor, his 'Wild Irish Rose' and the love of his life. When Harry's tour ended, he returned to St. Thomas, earned his degree in history and accepted a teaching position at Shattuck School in Faribault Minnesota in 1956. He found his true calling in teaching and over the next thirty-two years, taught history and other subjects. He coached swimming, track, golf and JV football. He also served as Dean of Students, Assistant to the Head Master and Commander of the Junior ROTC program.    Harry continued to serve his country as an Air Force Reserve officer until his retirement as a full Colonel in 1984. He served as Liaison Officer to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.     Harry was a member of the Knights of Columbus, enjoyed golf, slow pitch softball, bowling and traveling the world with Eleanor and spending time with his large, extended family.       Harold is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eleanor O'Connor of Faribault, four daughters; Clare O'Connor of Faribault, Kathryn (Jim) Gramse of Faribault, Shaune (T. Sean) Burke of Winona, and Kerry O'Connor Hood of Isle of Palms, SC; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and six brothers.