Robert C. O'Connor

Robert C. O’Connor, 95, of La Crosse, Wis., died on Friday, January 29, 2021 in Mayo Hospital-La Crosse. He was born on June 29, 1925 to Frank and Margaret (Healey) O’Connor in Fairmont, Minn.

Upon graduation from Campion High School in Prairie du Chien, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corp., and trained as a fighter pilot. He earned his wings in the spring of 1945. After earning his wings, he went on to college and earned his master’s degree in microbiology.

He was called back to active duty during the Korean war. After the Korean War, he was a private pilot, and even flew as a “Bush” pilot in Alaska for a year. He went back to college at Marquette University and earned a Vocational Counseling Degree. He worked at the Tomah VA Hospital with veterans returning from Vietnam, where he retired in 1990.

Bob is survived by his sister Catherine Trumbo, of Naples, Fl., numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his close friend, Gloria Royer of La Crosse, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret, and brother William.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 10:30 AM in Mary Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston St, La Crosse, Wis. Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate with burial to be held in Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at Church on Friday.