Dr. James “Doc” T. O’Connor, 86, of Polo, passed away Friday, February 19, 2016, at Polo Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Doc was born October 21, 1929, in Ionia County, MI, the son of James F. and Katherine (Lawless) O’Connor. On February 22, 1952, in Ionia, MI, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Westrick. Doc was an avid Michigan State fan, passed President of Northern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association, on the Board of Directors for Polo National Bank and Edgewood Golf Course. He was one of the founders of the Polo Nursing Home, 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 of Polo, Pat (Mike) Rosek of Crystal Falls, MI, Margaret “Peg” (Bob) Govett of Plover, WI, Kate (Ed) Hardy of Marietta, GA, Kerrie (David) Peterson of Polo; sons Jim (Christina Grogan) O’Connor of Polo, Tim (Susan) O’Connor of Mt. Carroll, Dan (Dru) O’Connor of Traverse City, MI; sisters Jane Finch of Lowell, MI, Joie (Bill) Spencer of Muskegon, MI; 21 Grandchildren, 17 Great-Grandchildren
He was preceded in death by son Michael John O’Connor; sister Joann Archambeau; granddaughter Lauren O’Connor.
Memorial visitation will be Monday, February 22, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Polo Family Funeral Home, 110 E. Dixon St. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Polo, with Rev. Joseph P. Naill, officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Polo.
The Lenten season prevents flowers from being brought into the church, memorials may be directed to the James T. O’Connor Memorial Fund.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
