MCFARLAND - John Thomas O'Connor, age 66, of McFarland, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. He was born on April 29, 1960, in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of John "Jack" and Jane (Hultkrans) O'Connor. The family lived in St. Paul until John was 11, then moved to Rockford, Ill. In 1995 John moved to Madison.

John graduated from Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford, Ill., and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University. During Syttende Mai weekend, he met the love of his life, Sandra McTavish. The couple married on May 27, 2000, at Tyrol Basin in Mount Horeb. John worked as a teacher’s aide for the McFarland School District retiring in 2024.

John had a lifelong passion for skiing and looked forward to every opportunity to hit the slopes. Some of his favorite destinations included Snowriver Resort in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the slopes of Lutsen, Minn. A master at finding the best deals on ski equipment, he also enjoyed organizing annual ski trips with friends, often planning them around Super Bowl weekend.

An expert planner, John loved arranging family vacations, weekend getaways and road trips, carefully attending to every detail. He treasured family camping trips and creating lasting memories with those he loved. In his retirement he enjoyed planning trips with friends.

John's larger-than-life personality made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel comfortable and welcomed, and he truly never met a stranger. Whether traveling, attending events, or simply running errands, John had a gift for striking up conversations and making new friends wherever he went.

John was deeply involved in his community and his sons' activities. He volunteered at high school football games, working the chain crew, and was always eager to support school events and activities. His family was the center of his world, and his sons were his greatest pride and joy. He was their biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and was endlessly proud of the men they became.

A devoted and loyal fan of the Chicago Bears, John stood by his team through every season. He was also known for his quick wit, legendary dad jokes, and never met a “pun,” that he didn’t like. He never passed up an opportunity to make someone laugh, and his sense of humor brought joy to family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

John is survived by his wife, Sandra; sons, Sean (Woojeong Shin) O'Connor and Jack O'Connor; sisters, Susan Stevens, Connie (Richard) Jirak and Mary (Gavin) Brandt; and brother, Vince (Lynn) O'Connor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Jane; and sister, Mollie O'Connor.

In honor of John, we encourage guests to wear a Hawaiian shirt or something green as a tribute to his life and spirit.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, who will establish a scholarship in John's honor through the McFarland Education Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

John T O'Connor

April 29, 1960 - June 10, 2026

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