Walter J O'Connor

Walter J. "Jack" O'Connor, 89, of Fort Dodge passed away Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Laufersweiler Funeral Home. Survivors include his son, Sean O'Connor of Fort Dodge; daughters, Erin (Kevin) Thompson; Shannon O'Connor; both of Fort Dodge and Edana O'Connor (Tom Okleja) of Badger; 3 grandchildren, Zephan and Nolan O'Connor of St. Joseph, MO; Joann (Terry) Chrzan of Fort Dodge; 3 great grandchildren; siblings, Michael (Nancy) O'Connor of Lewisville, TX; Peggy McBride of Keaau, HI; and Robert (Mary Ellen) O'Connor of Badger; son-in-law Dennis Zemke of Fort Dodge; and a sister-in-law, Minnie "Mickey" O'Connor of Fort Dodge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Flora (Jones) O'Connor; first wife Ruth in 1967; daughter, Sheri Zemke; and his second wife Charlene in 2006; sisters, Connie Gallentine, Frances O'Connor and Betty Lou O'Connor; brothers, William, James, Donald O'Connor and 2 infant brothers. Walter John O'Connor was born on May 17, 1928, in Fort Dodge. He attended schools here and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1946. That same year he enlisted with U.S. Marine Corps. Walter was stationed in California and served his country till his honorable discharge in 1948. Returning to Fort Dodge, he then attended Fort Dodge Junior College. In 1951, he was united in marriage to Ruth Duay and the couple made their home in Fort Dodge. Walter went to work of for the Minneapolis and St. Louis Rail Roads, and they were bought out by the Chicago Northwestern Rail Road. He had over 40 years as an Train Engineer. On May 23, 1968, he was united in marriage to Charlene Peterson and the couple established their home in Fort Dodge. Walter was always known to be jokester. Loved spending his time with his family, friends and with his dog "Teddy". He enjoyed playing golf and was working on his pilot license. More than anything, the most important thing in his life was his family. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.