Joseph T. O'Connor Jr.

Joseph T. O’Connor, Jr, 70, of Hastings, NE died on March 26, 2024, at his home. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Apfel Funeral Home in Hastings with Father Jeremy Hazuka officating. There will be no viewing or visitation.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences can be sent to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Joseph was born on June 21, 1953, in San Antonio, Texas to Joseph T. O’Connor, Sr, and Barbara Ann (Prasso) O’Connor. He grew up in a military family. He was married to Shelley DeJung on June 28, 1975, in Hastings. The couple lived in Hastings where he was employed by T & L Irrigation.

He always had cats, starting with his first, a Siamese named Ming Toy, brought back from Japan in 1966. Rum, Serena, Callie, Scotchers, and Rags were just a few who followed. He also enjoyed chess, which he excelled at as a boy and was designated the Far East Chest Champion in 1965 as he beat one military man after the next. His success was reported in the New York Times. He also liked fishing, working out, and working on his house. 

To his family, he will always be “Joey.”

He is survived by his wife Shelley, father Joseph, Sr, and sisters Margaret (Mike) Aalberg, and Beth (Kevin) Jensen.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Ann.