Kelly O'Connor

Kelly Joseph O’Connor of Vermillion, South Dakota, passed away unexpectedly on August 2, 2026.

Kelly was born on July 21, 1953, in Vermillion to J. Howard and Lucille (Kribell) O’Connor. He grew up alongside his 10 siblings on the family farm in the Garryowen community and graduated from Vermillion High School in 1971.

Kelly met the love of his life, Kris Isaacson of Burbank, South Dakota, and the two were married on July 7, 1979. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four daughters: Melissa O’Connor of Vermillion; Danielle O’Connor of Boulder, Colorado; Alisha O’Connor (Shane Ryan) of Napa, California; and Madison Blasius (Tanner) of Mitchell, South Dakota.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Kelly proudly continued his family’s farming legacy. He farmed alongside his brother, Dan O’Connor, until Dan’s retirement and later took great pride in carrying on that tradition with his oldest daughter, Melissa.

To know Kelly was to love him. He was the kind of person who made everyone feel like family. No matter what kind of day you were having, Kelly always found a way to make you smile. Whether through one of his famous one-liners, a well-timed joke, or simply by being himself, he made every room a little brighter. His contagious laugh could be heard from miles away and will never be forgotten.

Kelly showed his girls the meaning of hard work—not because he talked about it, but because he lived it every day. He taught them to work hard, keep going when life gets tough, and always take care of the people they love.

Kelly found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He never missed an opportunity to cheer on the USD Coyotes, never turned down a bowl of ice cream, and was always the first to lend a helping hand. He would have given the shirt off his back to anyone in need without thinking twice. He also treasured time spent on the river with his family and friends.

Above all, Kelly loved and treasured his family. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Kris; his four daughters, Melissa, Danielle, Alisha (Shane), and Madison (Tanner); and his grandchildren, Devalyn, Collins, and Mack, with another grandchild expected in November.

Kelly is also survived by his siblings, Dan O’Connor (Dorothy), Susanne Foster (Steve), Tim O’Connor, Donna Heidi, Kevin O’Connor (Michelle), Shannon O’Connor (Norma), Jane O’Connor, and Mary Merrigan (Tom), brother-in-law Mike Isaacson, sister-in-law Jill O'Connor; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Lucille O’Connor; his sister, Rosemarie O’Connor; his brother, Marty O’Connor; his sister-in-law, Mary Montana O’Connor; his brothers-in-law, Dennis Heidi and Angelo DeSanto; and other loved ones who went before him.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 416 South Walker Street, Vermillion, South Dakota.

Kelly’s laughter, generosity, and unwavering love for his family will live on in everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clay County Fair Board.