Lester "Jerry" J. Connor

Lester Jerome “Jerry” Connor, 87, of the village of Lake Hallie, died Sunday, June 28, 2026, surrounded by family at Prairie Pointe Assisted Living in Altoona, while under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

He was born April 3, 1939, in Crystal, North Dakota to Lester T. and Mae (Latraille) Connor. On September 10, 1960, he married Elizabeth Rocheleau at St. Jean’s Church in Duluth, MN. They moved to Chippewa Falls in 1963 and bought their home in the village of Lake Hallie.

Jerry loved to dance, fish, tend to his vegetable garden every year, read, had a strong work ethic, and a great sense of humor. He was a builder and a Mr. Fix It, a real jack of all trades, and was an avid sports fan, from volunteering many hours with Lake Hallie Baseball to cheering on the Green Bay Packers. There was also a sensitive side to Jerry. He cherished his family and faith, and if you knew him, you knew you would be greeted with a hug and a kiss.

He worked many years in construction and roofing, maintenance for the State of WI at the National Guard Armory, and drove a medical transport van in his later years.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty; children, Tim (Marlene) Connor, Pauline (Jim) Hempelman, William Connor, Brenda (Kriss) Nelson, Christine Connor, and April (Nick) Gardow; grandchildren, Craig (Cari) Connor, Eric Connor, Samantha Hempelman, Jacqueline Connor-Hempelman, Veronica (Joel) Smits, Katrina (Ryan) Gwiazdon, Cory Crowell, Nicole (Keith) Thomas, Owen Connor, Josephine Connor, and Keonie Breckenridge; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Myron (Joanne) Connor, Jeanette (Chuck Betz) Grad, Theresa (John) Watkins, Jim (Jeanne) Connor, and Sandra (Ed) Barnes; and many dear nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Myrna (Robert) Botz, Bill (Judy) Connor, Beverly (Jim) Bachler, and John Connor; and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Prairie Pointe and St. Croix Hospice, and all the friends he made there.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, July 24 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Chippewa Falls. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. at the church.

Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or the Chippewa Humane Association.