Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One for over 100 years.

John B. O’Connor

Celebration of Life Gathering:  Saturday, August 28, 2021, 4:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., O’Connor home backyard, 300 Washington Avenue, Pacific Junction, Iowa.

JOHN BERNARD O’CONNOR, 77 of Pacific Junction, Iowa died Saturday, July 10, 2021 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The family is planning a Celebration of Life at a future date.

John was born August 27, 1943 in Omaha, Nebraska to Bernard John and Louise (Cherek) O’Connor. He grew up in the Irish-Catholic neighborhoods of South Omaha. John started his working days at Hinky Dinky grocery, spending 18 years with their produce department warehouse. He later became interested in law enforcement and started off as a member of the Mills County Reserve Deputy Association in 1985. Two years later he answered an ad for a police officer position with the Glenwood Police Department and was hired on. In 2000 he was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Glenwood and held that post until his retirement in 2009. He was very proud of the community policing efforts and equipment advances that occurred during his tenure with the department.

John had two children, Michael and Micaela. He was united in marriage to Kimberly Christine Stewart on May 15, 1993 in Pacific Junction, Iowa. He loved to visit with family and friends and always left a positive impact on everyone he met. John was known to embellish stories and was very skilled at delivering those stories with a straight face to fool the recipient. John also loved tinkering around the yard and home and just being outdoors. He also loved to travel with his wife Kim. They took multiple trips to Mexico and enjoyed visiting his daughter in Colorado. John and Kim enjoyed hiking as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter. Food was always a love language for John and he would often sneak treats into his kids’ and grandkids’ pockets. In recent years he relished time with his great-grandchildren. His kind nature, sharp wit and wry sense of humor will be greatly missed by many.

John was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Louise O’Connor, his son Michael Patrick O’Connor and his brother Dennis O’Connor.

John is survived by wife Kim O’Connor of Pacific Junction, Iowa; daughter Micaela and husband Scott Gilchrist of Omaha, Nebraska; granddaughter Mandy and husband Chris Parks of Atlantic, Iowa and their children Carson and Greta; step-daughter Sara Johnson of Glenwood, Iowa; grandson Ian Gilchrist of Omaha, Nebraska; brother Mark and wife Cindy Zych of Blair, Nebraska; sister Colleen O’Connor of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family.

22 Condolences

  • Shawn Barrett Posted July 13, 2021 10:06 am

    John was a great man who always made time to laugh and joke he will be missed.

  • Colleen O’Connor Posted July 13, 2021 10:26 am

    You were so important in my life big brother. You will always be in my heart.

  • Rose O’Connor Emsick Posted July 13, 2021 10:39 am

    So sorry to hear of the loss of John. Hoping he is able to meet up with his son Michael. My sincere condolences to Kim , Michaela, Colleen and all family and friends.

  • Ron Schab Posted July 13, 2021 11:29 am

    Please accept my my deepest sympathy.

  • Sara Mejia Posted July 13, 2021 11:30 am

    Uncle John, you were one of the best men I’ve known. A strong figure who was always funny with a dry sense of humor, and a big heart. You will truly be missed deeply. I’m grateful for all the memories we got to share.

  • Pat Mercer Posted July 13, 2021 5:14 pm

    So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. A good guy who will be missed by all who knew him. I am glad I had a nice visit with John the last of May. Thoughts and prayers to Kim and all of John’s family.

  • Joanna+Osler Posted July 13, 2021 6:42 pm

    Our hen parties won’t be the same without you sitting in the other room, pretending like you weren’t paying any attention to us but we knew you were secretly listening. Thank you, John, for being everything Kim could have asked for.

  • Judy Curtis-Nelson Posted July 13, 2021 8:24 pm

    So sorry and quite devastated when I heard the news, I’ve known John for about 50 years he is the one who told me, in his words “ Curtis your with child” and I was pregnant beyond all odds. He will be missed.

  • Brenda Bair Posted July 14, 2021 12:18 am

    What a delight John and Kim been to know through the years. Your support of our Radio Shack was a blessing. John will certainly be missed. Love, thoughts and prayers to you all.
    Mark & Brenda Bai

  • Peggy Kruse Posted July 14, 2021 7:29 am

    Our condolences to John’s family. Sorry for your loss.

  • Gerry Burke Posted July 14, 2021 2:27 pm

    Some years ago at a family gathering, John took the time to share some important family history with me. I will always remember his kindness. Our prayers are with you.

  • Scott Burtch Posted July 14, 2021 5:21 pm

    We are saddened to hear of John’s passing. Our condolences to the family. John was a great man and will be missed.

  • Connie Moore Posted July 14, 2021 5:26 pm

    Sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.

  • Mike Mercer Posted July 14, 2021 6:17 pm

    Shocked and saddened to learn of John passing away. I had some wonderful fun times over the many years working with John and will always remember and cherish them. My sincere sympathy to Kim and family.

  • June Maddocks Posted July 14, 2021 7:49 pm

    So very sorry. Rest in peace, John..

  • Pam and Lyle Mayberry Posted July 15, 2021 9:13 am

    Mandy and family, were so surprised to read that John has passed. Thinking of you and your famiy at this time.

  • Mary Guthrie Posted July 15, 2021 9:49 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss.

  • Linda Duncan Posted July 15, 2021 4:19 pm

    Prayers for Kim and all the family.

  • Julie Hergert Posted July 16, 2021 9:46 am

    Kim, I am so very sorry to learn of John’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family.

  • Eldon Prax Posted July 20, 2021 7:24 am

    Long distant prayers to Kim and Family!

  • Rob Wallace Posted July 21, 2021 6:15 pm

    Deepest sympathy Kim.

  • Steve Carnes Posted August 28, 2021 6:59 pm

    Enjoyed working with John as a reserve deputy. RIP

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