Joseph Patrick Conners Jr, 84, of Waterford, passed away on Feb. 13, 2023, at Oak Park Place Senior Living Center in Burlington, surrounded by his loving wife, Norma and three daughters.
Joe was born on Dec. 30, 1938, along with his twin brother John, to Joseph Sr. and Mary (nee Condon) Conners at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He grew up in Baraboo with his brother John and two sisters, Dorothy and Helen. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Baraboo, and graduated from Baraboo High School in 1957. Joe attended Sauk County Teachers College and graduated from UW-Platteville in 1962. He later attended Marquette University earning a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He served in the US Army National Guard and was called to active duty for the Berlin Wall crisis where he was stationed at Fort Lewis in the state of Washington.
Joe began his teaching profession at Brookwood Elementary School in Genoa City where he honed his skills for six years. He was later hired by Elmbrook School District as a 7th grade middle school English teacher. He finished his 36-year career in a 4th grade classroom and thoroughly enjoyed shaping the minds of young children.
Joe met the love of his life, Norma LaMeer, who was also teaching at Brookwood Elementary. They were married at St. Joseph’s in Baraboo on July 3, 1965. Following their marriage, they moved to Wauwatosa, where they welcomed their first of three daughters, Kelly Jean, in February of 1966. In May of 1966, Norma and Joe moved their small family of three to their home on Halverson Road in Waterford where they have lived for 55 years. In April of 1967 they were blessed with twin daughters, Jacqueline Patrice and Tracey Ann. Joe became an active member of the St. Thomas Aquinas parish in Waterford where he served as Chairman of the Activities Committee, worked at the church picnic, ushered, and was a lector for mass. He was a 3rd Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
Joe was extremely proud of his Irish heritage. St. Patrick’s Day was his favorite holiday. He enjoyed reading, writing, and most importantly he loved spending time with his family traveling, learning, and exploring the world. He took great pride in portraying an image that represented his teaching profession. He felt honored that all three of his daughters followed in his footsteps with careers in education. His devout faith was a gift from God that he shared with his wife, daughters, family, and beyond.
Joe is survived by his wife, Norma; daughters, Kelly (Kevin) Malchine of Waterford, Jacqueline (Peter) Syens of Burlington, and Tracey Conners of West Bend; sister Helen Grosshans of Baraboo; sister-in-law Lucky LaMeer; six grandchildren, John, Stephanie, Luke, Shannon, Shauna, and Hayley; four great-grandchildren, Aidan, Abigail, Jack, and Hank; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Sr. and Mary Conners; sister Dorothy; twin brother John; father and mother-in-law Donald and Marjory LaMeer; sister-in-law Nancy LaMeer; and brothers-in-law, Gene Brennen, Willian Grosshans, Robert LaMeer, William LaMeer, and Steve Sokolowski.
A memorial gathering will be held on April 1, 2023, from 9 until 10:45 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 305 S. First St., Waterford, followed by Mass at 11 a.m. with Fr. Ed Tlucek, OFM, officiating. A private inurnment will be held with the family at 2 p.m. after lunch.
In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made in memory of Joe to St. Thomas Aquinas Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin.
Mealy Funeral Home is serving the family. Well-wishers may visit www.mealyfuneralhome.com.
-
-
-
-
-