Patricia “Patti” Ann O’Connor, age 85, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Patti was born on September 3, 1940 to Mildred Ann (Curtis) and James John Murphy in Independence, Iowa. Patti, her parents, and her beloved sister, Kathleen, subsequently moved with their parents to Elk Point, South Dakota, where the family ran a drive-in. Patti later graduated from Elk Point High school in 1958, and began attending The University of South Dakota that fall. This is where she met the love of her life, Arthur “Bucky” Kevin O’Connor. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Bucky and Patti were married on June 22, 1963 in Elk Point and then moved to Sturgis, SD.

After moving to Sturgis, Patti and Bucky grew their family to five, and Patti began her lifelong love of teaching. The family then moved to Rapid in 1978. Once in Rapid City, Patti taught reading and English at West Junior High. After many successful years as a teacher at West, she began teaching at Southwest Middle School. In 2000, Patti achieved national recognition for her excellent work teaching at Southwest Middle School. She was an Honorable Mention for the USA Today’s All USA Teacher Team. She taught for the Rapid City School District for 26 years, before retiring in 2004.

Following their retirement, Patti and Bucky often visited their children and grandchildren, as well as toured the country. They traveled to every state, most of the providences in Canada, and Mexico. They also took a dream trip to Ireland. Patti loved visiting National Parks and taking in the gorgeous nature scenes. She kept a book with clippings and stamps from every park they visited. Whenever they were on the road, she made sure she sent her friends and family postcards of every place they visited.

In addition to traveling, Patti’s hobbies included volunteering at Blessed Sacrament Church, reading to her grandchildren, and writing beautiful poetry. Patti was an accomplished and talented poet. She often gifted friends and family with a Christmas poem, which was usually included in her and Bucky’s yearly Christmas letters. Her poetry was even published in various magazines over the years.

Survivors include her beloved husband Bucky, her sons Patrick and Kelly (Kari) O’Connor, daughter Shannon (John) Prososki, and seven grandchildren; Jack (Alissa) and Nick O’Connor, Kevin, Emily, Alexander, Elizabeth, and Brendan Prososki. She is also survived by her sister Kathleen (Michael) Brown and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be on April 15th 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with prayer service, rosary, and sharing time to follow at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Blvd., Rapid City, South Dakota, 57702.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday April 16th, 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church located at 4500 Jackson Boulevard, Rapid City, South Dakota 57702. Luncheon will follow the Mass and Interment at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD at 1:30 p.m.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.