Thomas O'Connor

Thomas Edward O'Connor was born on March 23, 1944, in Preston, Minnesota, to John Edward O'Connor and Elvera Workman. Tom spent his early years in Preston, working as a dairy farmer alongside his father.

Tom received 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.

In 1990, Tom moved to Rochester, where he began working as a custodian at Mayo Clinic in October of that year. He took great pride in his work and was recognized for his perfect attendance and early arrival to his workplace.

On December 20, 1993, Tom married the love of his life, Tatiana (Lopatina) O'Connor, and they built a life together filled with laughter, love, and cherished traditions until her passing in 2011.

Known for his sharp sense of humor, Tom loved to share jokes-some more appropriate than others-and was notorious for playful pranks like whisker rubs, tying socks together, and sneaking in the occasional Wet Willie.

Tom cherished time spent outdoors, especially deer hunting. He also loved taking care of his home and mowing his lawn. He was a man who deeply valued time with loved ones. From countless card games, to many family events, Tom took joy in the simple moments of togetherness. At Christmas, he always made sure the kids received Disney movies, knowing the happiness it would bring them. On Halloween, he made sure to have the candy ready for the neighborhood kids.

When Tom said "I love you" or "Be careful," you knew he meant it. His kindness, 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 sincerely missed his adopted Korean girls, Holly and Nicole, who had tragically passed away in 1994, and was especially proud of his granddaughter, Anna Lopatina.

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 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 parents, John Edward O'Connor and Elvera (Workman) O'Connor; two sisters, Eileen Kinneberg and Lois Baumgardner; and a nephew, Gary Allen.

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

May God bless the memory of Tom to us all.

Visitation will be at 10 AM on Saturday, February 15, at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM. Burial, will full military honors, will be at Oakwood Cemetery, 38 7th Avenue NE, Rochester, MN. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the O'Connor family.