Phyllis O’Connor

James & Phyllis O’Connor died at peace together at Woodland Hill in Hudson on March 14, 2025 after 62 great years of very happy marriage.

Jim and Phyllis were born on the same day, July 3, 1940, many miles apart. She to parents George and Lucille Miller in Denver. He to Walter and Gertrude in Ladysmith, WI. Survived by son Paul (Christine) of St. Louis Park, MN, with dear grandsons Kevin and Peter; and by daughter Gail of Hudson.

She was pre-deceased by her sister Patricia.

He was pre-deceased by his brother Thomas, brother-in-law Douglas Olson survived by sisters Mary Olson of Edina, MN and Ann (Fredrick) Girres of Eagan, MN.

Both are pre-deceased by good friends and companions, also survived by dear cousins, nieces and nephews, and by a dwindling circle of close friends.

They were both much influenced by their respective natural surroundings, she by the rural Rocky Mountains in which she lived for a large part of her youth, and he by the woods and waters of northern WI, especially the cottage on Lac Courte Oreilles near Hayward, which remains in the extended family. Based on later experience, he was also attracted by the western mountains, but employment drew him to the Twin Cities.

They met at the University of Colorado in Boulder, marrying in 1962 after graduation, she with a degree in History and he in Business. While he served two years as an Army officer, she quipped that she too should be considered a veteran for giving birth to their son in an Army hospital.

They moved to North Hudson in 1967, with most of their residence being 44 years at their beloved home (since razed) on Lake Mallalieu before moving to Woodland Hill in 2022. While in North Hudson, he served on the planning commission for 25 years, and she was an election poll worker for 20 years.

Jim’s career was at 3M’s Treasury Division in Saint Paul for 30 years, retiring as a credit manager.

They were long-time devotees of the Phipps Center for the Arts. His most recent civic involvement was president of the board for the former Hudson Area Join Library for 8 years, culminating in the Library’s move to its present location in 2010.

Phyllis’ major pursuit was as an accomplished artist, concentrating on realistic landscape scenes in oils, in addition to several volunteer activities. She also enjoyed regular participation with her Tai Chi exercise group for many years.

Jim pursued multiple interests. He fancied himself as a DIY-Guy, taking on many home projects and several house additions, even building a recreation/hunting cabin in the St. Croix Barrens. Drawn to outdoor pursuits for most of his life, he was an occasional camper, kayaker, cyclist, and sailor, a mediocre golfer, an average fisherman and deer hunter, an above-average canoeist, and in his day an avid grouse hunter and cross-country skier.

They also enjoyed extensive travels, both domestic and internationally, and especially their winters in Arizona before COVID.

Both were avid readers; Phyllis mostly novels of specific genres, Jim always non-fiction of similarly selective topics.

Memorial Gathering 10-11 AM with 11 AM Memorial Service Saturday April 12, 2025 at O’Connell Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th Street, Hudson. Memorials are preferred to the Phipps Center for the Arts.
Services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Homes – Hudson