Jerome Michael O’Connor

Jerome Michael O’Connor, age 84, passed away surrounded by family on May 30, 2025, at Saint Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minn.

Jerome was born on Good Friday, April 11, 1941, Preston, Minn., to Raymond and Helen (Collett) O’Connor. He was the third, and eldest son, in a family of 12 children.  Jerome was raised and lived on the family farm in Bristol Township his entire life. He attended the first six grades at Crystal Springs Country School, then went to Preston school through grade 10 and then finished high school at the Southern School of Agriculture in Waseca, Minn.

In the summer of 1958, Jerome met his lifelong best friend and love, Sharyol Ihns, at the Harmony roller rink. Jerome wasn’t the best skater but he endured it just to see her. Jerome and Sharyol were married at Saint Columban Catholic Church, Preston, Minn, on July 28, 1961. Jerome was a member of Saint Columban his entire life. He was a faith filled person and loved to serve his Lord. One of the things he did that was so important to him was making sure everyone had fellowship time and special treats after Mass – every Sunday.

Love of the land and farming was number one to Jerome. When he was growing up, he followed his grandfather, Timothy, and learned from him what hard work was. And he loved it his entire life!

Jerome and Sharyol were blessed with seven children. Lisa (Tom) Binkley, Michael (Amy), Matthew (Holly), John, Andrew (Jennifer) and Linda (Bradley). Sadly, in 1967 they lost a son, Steven, at seven weeks due to a heart defect. They have 14 grandchildren: Bryant, Scott (Alma), Bridget (Karin), Joseph, Dylan, Justine (Quinton), Skyler, Samantha (Pete), Trent, Chelsey (friend Bob), Jordan, Kirby (Chelsea), Kennedy and Drew; and 11 great-grandchildren: Oswaldo, Christopher, Ashton, Amber, Sophie, Liam, Adrianna, Shane, Grayson, Dagger and Beckham.

Jerome is survived by his wife Sharyol, siblings Joseph (Lydia), Frederick (Linda), Charles (Joan), Richard (Teresa), Susan (Gerald) and Elizabeth (Baird).

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Theresa, Monica, Timothy, Mary and Gerald.

Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2025, at St. Columban Catholic Church in Preston, Minn., with Fr. Edward McGrath officiating.  Jerome will be laid to rest at St. Ligouri Cemetery rural Preston.  A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, at St. Columban, and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Friday. 

Jerome’s family extends their thanks to Good Samaritan Home Care and the staff at St. Marys for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Jerome and family while he was a patient there.

Memorials can be made to Saint Columban Church or your favorite charity.