Thomas Edward O’Connor

Thomas Edward O’Connor was born on March 23, 1944, in Preston, Minn., to John Edward O’Connor and Elvera Workman. Raised on a farm, he attended Crystal Springs Country School and spent his early years milking cows alongside his father.

Tom earned his GED before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from June 1, 1965, to March 1, 1967, during which time he served in South Korea.

Later in life, he moved to Rochester and began working as a custodian at Mayo Clinic in October 1990. He took great pride in his work and was recognized for his perfect attendance and dedication, always arriving early.

On December 20, 1993, Tom married the love of his life, Tatiana (Lopatina) O’Connor, sharing years filled with laughter, love, and cherished traditions until her passing in 2011.

Known for his sharp sense of humor, Tom loved sharing jokes – some more appropriate than others – and was notorious for his playful pranks, such as whisker rubs, tying socks together, and the occasional Wet Willie.

Tom found joy in the outdoors, especially deer hunting, and took great pride in caring for his home and mowing his lawn. He deeply valued time with family, whether through countless card games or holiday gatherings. At Christmas, he delighted in gifting Disney movies to the kids, knowing how much joy it would bring. On Halloween, he always made sure to have candy ready for neighborhood trick-or-treaters.

When Tom said, “I love you,” or “Be careful,” you felt his sincerity. His warmth, curiosity about others’ lives, and love for his family left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Tom was incredibly proud of his family. He deeply missed his adopted Korean daughters, Holly and Nicole, who tragically passed away in 1994. That same year, his granddaughter Anna Lopatina was born, bringing him immense joy and becoming a bright light during a time of sorrow. He cherished their bond and was especially proud of the young woman she became.

He is survived by his wife’s brother Alexander Borkovskiy and his wife Irina Borkovskaya, along with their children Andrey, Vladimir and Denis Borkovskiy; his beloved granddaughter Anna Lopatina, his siblings: Annette (John) Aske, Beth (Jerry) White Mensink, Terry O’Connor and Gary Mike (Linda) O’Connor; brother-in-law Ernest Kinneberg, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Tatiana O’Connor, his parents John Edward O’Connor and Elvera (Workman) O’Connor, his sisters Eileen Kinneberg and Lois Baumgardner, and a nephew, Gary Allen.

Tom passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, February 10. He will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and unwavering love.

May God bless the memory of Thomas Edward O’Connor and keep him forever in our hearts.

Funeral service was held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, February 15, with Pastor John Sauer officating. Burial took place next to Tatiana, with full military honors, at Oakwood Cemetery, 38 7th Avenue NE, Rochester, Minn.