Patrick "Oak" O'Connor Sr.

Patrick “Oak” O’Connor Sr., Coach, 66, of (Lake Camelot) Mapleton, Illinois passed away on Monday, April 4, 2011. He was born February 16, 1945 in Joliet, Illinois to the late Gerald and Jeannette ( Rothwell) O’Connor. He married Charlotte Tezak on October 10, 1969. She survives along with their three sons, Patrick (Keri) Jr. ,Shawn (Carol), and Casey (Angela) and seven beloved grandchildren; Bailey, Zachary, Braiden, Griffin, Ian, Delaney, and Kelsey O’Connor all of (Lake Camelot) Mapleton, Illinois. He is also survived by two sisters, Geraldine (Robert) Ditton, Naples, Florida and Kathleen (Ernie) Waters, Lanixa, Virginia and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pat graduated from Western University with a teaching degree in physical education. He was a teacher and wrestling coach at Illini Bluffs School District for 35 years. He started the high school wrestling team in 1970 and the kids wrestling program in 1974. He is one of only a few wrestling high school coaches in the state to have had over 500 team wins in his career. In 1982 he was honored as the IHSA Class A wrestling coach of the year. He served on the IHSA wrestling committee and in 1994 was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Hall of Fame. He served as a member of the Central Illinois Coaches Committee for 13 years. He was chosen as Central Illinois Class A Outstanding Coach of the year 8 times. In 2008 he served as a Grand Marshall at the IHSA High School Wrestling State Finals in Champaign, Illinois. In 2009 he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and given the prestigious Lifetime Service Award. Pat loved teaching and coaching. He taught and mentored with sportsmanship and respect for his students and peers. In 2010 the Illini Bluffs School District honored his years of service and dedication to his teaching and coaching by naming the high school gymnasium “The Pat O’Connor Gymnasium”. Pat was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bartonville. He loved his family, all sports, fishing and was a dedicated Cubs and Bears fan.

A visitation will be held Friday, April 8, 2011, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Cremation rites have been accorded. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Illini Bluffs Wrestling Programs in Glasford, Illinois. Please view Pat’s life story at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillefuneralchapel.com.