Dolores D. Connor

Dolores D. Connor 73, Rib Mountain, died Thursday, November 27, 2008 at her home, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born October 20, 1935 in Gilman, Wis., daughter of the late Henry and Verona (Wagner) Derks. On October 18, 1958, she married Arthur Connor at St. Paul Catholic Church, Bloomer, Wis. He preceded her in death on March 3, 2005. Dolores earned her nursing certification from St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing, Wausau in September of 1956, and joined the staff of Dr. Enoch Brick. After taking time off to have her family, she returned to the nursing profession as a registered nurse with North Central Health Care, retiring in 2002, after 33 years of service. She was active as a 4-H Leader and in religious education while her children were growing up. Dolores began volunteering at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in 1993 in the day surgery and critical care waiting rooms, recording over 9, 000 hours of service. She also sewed over 1, 000 teddy bears for children who received treatment at the hospital. The embroidered faces and colorful fleece material brought much joy to the children. Dolores loved to attend the many activities her grandchildren were involved in. She enjoyed running, cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing. She competed in many local running events including 3 marathons. She was a regular competitor at the Badger State Winter Games, often earning a medal in her category. Throughout these competitions, she developed many friendships with local athletes. Survivors include, five children, Patrick (Becky) Connor, Bloomington, Ind., Julie (Michael ) McComis, Port Washington, Timothy (Fiancee Candy Bentley) Connor, St. Simons Island, Ga., Amy (Edward Jr.) Vaillancourt, Rib Mountain and Sarah Connor, Baraboo; seven grandchildren, Michael McComis Jr., Chicago, Ill., Matthew McComis, De Pere, Kelley McComis, Port Washington, Megan, Mollie and Erin Connor, Bloomington, Ind. and Edward Vaillancourt III, Rib Mountain; five sisters, Helen (Luke) Bowe, Chippewa Falls, Rose Marie Derks, Manitowoc, Kathryn (Neil) Haselwander, Eau Claire, Joyce (Robert) Rogalski, Stevens Point and Mary Kay Riley, Loretto, Minn.; two brothers, George (Joann) Derks, Eau Claire and Ted (Linda) Derks, Chippewa Falls; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, Arthur, she was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Norman and John Duane Derks; and one sister, Verona Poirier. The family would like to thank Dr. Gautam, the Cancer Center staff, the entire Aspirus Wausau Hospital Oncology Unit, the staff of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, and the staff of Wellington Place for the care provided to Dolores. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Steven Brice will preside. Burial will be in the Mosinee Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Aspirus Wausau Hospital Volunteer Group, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com