Jon M. O'Connor

Jon M. O’Connor, “Johnnyboy” aged 53 passed away on February 7, 2025 at home. He was born on April 1, 1971 to Lois (Haas) O’Connor and John P. O’Connor who preceded him in death on October 4, 1970. 

Jon was born and raised in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of ‘92.  Jon was a talented athlete and was involved in wrestling and football during his junior and high school years.  

While in high school and after graduation, Jon worked at the Big Boy, where he helped manage until it closed.  This is where Jon learned to cook (his ribs were amazing and his “beauty burgers” unbelievable).  Cooking was a hobby he enjoyed sharing with his family.  

Jon then went on to work at Jagemann Plating for 25 years up until the time he could no longer work.  He enjoyed working with his best buddy, Kristopher Haase.  Jon and Kris were in a car accident that ended Kristopher’s life and left Jon with significant injuries to both of his legs.  

Jon was married to Chris Polansky for 8 years and together they had Brianna, who was the light of Jon’s life.  He was a very hardworking man, being a single parent and raising Brianna on his own.  They loved going camping together and thought of their time away at Harbor Village each summer as their vacation from home.  

When he was more mobile, Jon enjoyed time outdoors, fishing and hunting.  He always looked forward to his deer hunting trips with his O’Connor uncles and cousins.  There were many tales of daring and maybe recklessness that came out of the “Up North” deer camp.  In later years, he hunted with his brother Josh and his good friend, Mark.  Jon was always ready to hear about the deer hunt and kept up with everyone’s deer hunting stories.  In most recent years, Jon enjoyed sitting outside, admiring his birch trees and feeding the neighborhood cats.

You can’t think of Jon and forget about his love for sports.  Whether it be football, (Go Pack!), the Brewers, basketball, NASCAR, soccer or even hockey; he watched it all.  If there were a pool he could put his money on, that was even better!  

Movie nights, cards, and board games were always his favorite ways to spend time with Brianna and eventually with Austin, too.   Jon loved 80s music, especially Motley Crue, you can’t forget the Crue! 

Jon loved to chat with people, keep up with current events, and dream up projects.  He was always ready to lend a helping hand.  Jon could fix anything!  He especially liked helping with projects at his parents’ cottage. Jon had lots of interesting stories to tell.  It was appropriate he was born on April Fools because he loved to joke and pull a prank or two.  He made memories with his people.  Jon cared about his family.  He did the unexpected for people and defended those who needed his protection.  Jon had a heart of gold.  Many thanks to all the people who tried to reach Jon and help him, especially Veronica, Kim and Emily at Holy Family. 

Jon is survived by his daughter, Brianna O’Connor (fiance, Austin Gillow) and his son Jon O’Connor (Stevana) and two granddaughters, Melaina Rose and Ella Marie of Waterloo, Iowa.  He is further survived by his loving parents Robert and Lois Lehman of Ossea, sister LeeAnn (Matt) Hildebrandt of Manitowoc; his brother and buddy, Buckley Mrotek of Osseo and his little brother and sister, Joshua Mrotek of Manitowoc and Mandy (Adam) Young of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Karley (Nathan), Noah (Hannah), Tatum Clayton, Jacob and Anna Mrotek, and Aven Young.  He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.  

Jon is reunited with his father John O’Connor, who was waiting to meet him for 54 years; his grandparents, Erv and Mabel O’Connor and Edward and Mayme Haas as well as treasured friends, uncles, aunts and cousins.  

Jon was loved by many, but he had done enough, and it was time to go home.  He will be sadly missed.  Jesus was calling him home and it was time for him to leave.

Memorials will be made to Easter Seals.  Jon was a camp counselor for the Easter Seals’ camp for special needs children, Camp Wawbeek, for 3 summers of his teenage years.  

Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 N. 14th Street).  Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Doug LeCaptain.  Burial of his remains will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Clarks Mills following services.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the services at 11:00 a.m.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home location, is assisting the O’Connor family with arrangements.

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