Michael Joseph O'Connor

Michael Joseph O’Connor, 77, of Brownsdale, Minnesota entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones after his journey with cancer. Michael was born on May 2, 1949, to Raymond and Eileen (Jandro) O’Connor in Austin, MN. He resided in the Brownsdale area his entire life and graduated from Hayfield High School in 1967.

He worked for Specialty Manufacturing in Minneapolis before he volunteered for the draft in the United States Army in September of 1967. After enlisting, he went to Ft. Campbell in Kentucky for Basic Training. In November, he was sent to Ft. Polk, Louisiana and then on to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas for Medical Supply Training. He was then assigned to Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Mike’s brother was given orders to go to Vietnam, but Mike volunteered to go in his place. He was discharged in 1969.

In 1971, he was employed as a Cable Splicer in all kinds of weather with Northwestern Bell in Austin, MN, and retired with 31 and a half years of service. Mike married the love of his life, Eileen Fjerstad, on June 19, 1971 in Kasson, MN. From this union, they had three children, Stephanie Jo, Chad Michael, and Colleen Teresa. His wife, children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the game of pool. He also loved the outdoor life, which included camping for 16 years, gardening, mowing, golfing, riding around on his golf cart, playing horseshoes, and birdwatching. Mike was knowledgeable in history and random trivia. He got his competitiveness for cribbage while playing at lunch with coworkers and eventually taught his family how to play. He also loved watching Westerns and cheering on the MN Vikings and Twins. For 16 fabulous years, we treasured our annual family trips to attend Twins games and hotel stays.

Mike is survived by his wife, Eileen; daughter, Stephanie Simmons of Winona, MN; son, Chad (Jenny) O’Connor of Hayfield, MN; daughter, Colleen (Bruce) Fish of Hayfield, MN; grandchildren, Paige (Jake) Jochum, Avery Simmons (Madison), Jacob Simmons (Laura), Lillie O’Connor (Carson), McKenna O’Connor (Noah), Liam, Sawyer and Lena Fish; siblings, Enner (Burt) Fjerstad, Tom O’Connor (Deb), Duke, Denny, Pat, Kathy and Tim; in-laws include, Tink (Judy) Larson and Lavonne (Mike) Berge.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Burton and Melvina Fjerstad; his son-in-law, Timothy Simmons; sisters-in-law, Sharon Larson, Ardis Grovdahl and Donna Head; brothers-in-law, Herb Grovdahl and Denny Head; nieces, Lisa Allen and Dana Head.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Palliative Care Unit at Methodist Hospital and St. Croix Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd St NW in Hayfield, MN. A private family burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield, Minnesota with military honors provided by the Hayfield American Legion Post 330.

In lieu of flowers, any donations will be made to various organizations in Mike’s honor.

Mike will be deeply missed by all, but we are grateful he is at peace and in the arms of Jesus.

To share a special memory or condolence please, visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd Street NW, Hayfield, Minnesota, 507-477-2259. Blessed be his memory.