Robert O'Connor, 90, of Sioux Falls, died Wednesday, October 12th at the Veterans Administration medical center following a lengthy illness.

Bob was born near Lucas in Gregory County South Dakota on Sept. 29, 1921. He died following a courageous battle with ALS on October 12, 2011. He attended school in Burke, Pierre, and Sioux Falls where he graduated from Cathedral High School in 1939. Bob enrolled at Augustana College where he played on the 1942 Championship football team. With only one semester left, 20 year old Bob enlisted in the armed forces along with the rest of his football team. During World War II, Bob was a combat infantry man with the 75th Infantry Division. He was in Battle of the Bulge during the Ardennes Campaign, Colmar Campaign, and Central European Campaign. His military awards include the Bronze Star, 3 Campaign Stars, and the Sterling Silver Expert Rifle Badge. Following the end of World War II, he marched in the New York City Victory Parade.

He graduated from Augustana College in 1946 and the University of South Dakota Law School in 1949. Following graduation he worked for the FBI in Washington, DC. He practiced law in Sioux Falls for 56 years. His office was across the street from the courthouse, a familiar place to all his clients and friends. In 1999 the South Dakota Bar Association recognized him for serving his profession with distinction and honor for 50 years. He retired in 2005.

As chairman of the Minnehaha Co. Democratic Party, Bob was one of the cofounders of the Democratic Forum. He welcomed presidential candidate, Senator John F. Kennedy when he came to Sioux Falls in 1960. Bob greeted President Harry S. Truman at the Harry Truman Bean Feed fundraiser.

In 1957 he married Eileen Dolan at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Beresford, SD. Bob was a 50 year member of Christ the King Catholic Church where he served as an usher. As an avid sportsman, he coached his son's baseball team and could be often heard coaching his children and grandchildren from the sidelines. Bob attended all of his children's and grandchildren's activities. He enjoyed speaking to classes on World War II, traveling, playing bridge, watching football and baseball, and woodworking. Bob was an avid reader who wrote a book on his experiences in World War II.

Bob will be greatly missed by his wife Eileen of 54 years, and his 5 children Kate (Gary) Schnack, Austin, TX; Kim (Matt) Metzgar, Elk Point, SD; Kay (Mark) Bryant, Eagan, MN; Karol (Larry) Eckel, Rochester, MN; and Robert O'Connor, (special friend, Maureen Keeley), Sioux Falls. He is survived by grandchildren Chris Bolin, Hope and Tony Metzgar, Emily and Kelly Bryant, Leo, Theresa, Tom and Greta Eckel. He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent, mother, Gertrude and his two sisters, Gwen Broman and Ruth DeBelser.

Bob was a champion of the less fortunate. He will be remembered for his honesty, generosity, kind nature and great sense of humor.

Our family thanks the Veteran's Hospital for their excellent, loving care.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin 10:30 am Saturday at Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment will be in St. Michael Cemetery. A Scripture service will be held 7:00 pm Friday at Christ the King Church. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, at the church.