Victor Joseph Connors

MIDDLETON/LODI - Victor "Vic" Connors passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 6th, 2016 while tending his garden at home. Vic was born to Joseph and Ruby Hamburg Connors, June 9th, 1947 in Wonewoc WI, the eldest of four children. Dr. Vic was a man of passion and had a strong belief in family, the community and the people around him. He always had a smile, and was the biggest, most joyful presence in any room. He loved life, lived large, and touched many lives around the world. In keeping with his generous spirit, Vic contributed corneas, bone marrow and other tissues so that others might be healed. He attended University of Wisconsin La Crosse and was graduated from The Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, IL. He returned to Wisconsin to establish a practice in Middleton in 1971. He was an active community leader who served as President of the Middleton Chamber of Commerce, Middleton Parks Commission, Optimist Club, and many municipal commissions and community organizations. He devoted energy and time to vision care in the community at large, as well as the profession of optometry. Vic was passionate about hunting, fishing, the outdoors and conservation. He judged and trained bird dogs, served several years as President of North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA). He was a founding board member and president of Friends of Poynette Game Farm. He was president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association, and in 1990 was named Wisconsin Optometrist of the Year. He sat on the American Optometric Association Board of Trustees for many years, and was elected President of the nation's largest association of optometrists in 2003. Dr. Vic also served as President of the World Council of Optometry (WCO) helping organizations across the world foster vision wellness to all citizens of the world. He was the President of the World Optometry Foundation. Vic was a loving family man, hosted many family reunions at his home, enjoying everyone, young and old. Victor is survived by his wife Ginny, two brothers, Wayne (Pat) and Tim (Vickie); his children Sara, Colleen and Dr. Colin (Tricia) Connors; children by marriage Dr. Ian (Diane) Buchli, Sam Corwin, and John (Megan) Corwin; grandchildren Nyla, Declan, Maeve, Zane, Annika, and William; and his German Pudelpointer companions in the field, Gracie and Joey. Vic was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joanne. A Prayer Service and Celebration of Vic's life will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, with Monsignor Michael Burke presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2016, and also on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be designated to Optometry Giving Sight, Friends of the Poynette Game Farm or NAVHDA. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.