William A. Connor

William "Bill Connor died March 25, 2009 at the N C Little Hospice in Edina, MN. at the age of 70 years. He will be remembered for his long career dedicated to the fire sprinkler industry. Born in Minneapolis, Bill resided with his parents in Hibbing, Foston, and Northome MN where he graduated high school. He served in the US Army, Company “B”, 5th Battalion, 6th Infantry in Fort Hood, Texas. Bill worked at Butler Manufacturing in Minneapolis until 1968 when he began his career in the fire sprinkler industry as a member of Road Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669. In 1978, he and his business partner, James Kuempel, purchased a fire protection contracting business, which he managed until his death. Bill was Chair of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee and represented contractors by negotiating labor bargaining agreements with Sprinkler Fitters Local 417. He was instrumental in promoting a new training center on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis to further expand and enhance the Sprinkler Fitter Local 417 Apprenticeship training program. He served on numerous organizations and committees including; National Fire Sprinkler Association-Minnesota Chapter XV. Bill was a Trustee of the Twin City Pipe Trades Association Pension Supplement and the Twin City Sprinkler Fitters Health Care Plan. Bill lived with his wife and son on a farm in Rush City, MN, where he pursued his passion for raising purebred Charolais cattle. Bill is survived by wife Mary Connor, son Scott Connor of Rush City, business associates, employees, friends and relatives. Fr. Ralph Huar celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial, Monday March 30, 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 701 Fillmore Street NE, Minneapolis. Music was provided by organist Constance Cobian, cantor Courtney Keenan-Young and piper Mike Briedenbach.