Conner, Robert D. 1936-2026

CONNER, FRERICHS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 6/4/2026 at 13:15:05

Robert D. Conner, 89 of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Denton, Texas.

Memorial Service will be at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. Burial with military honors will follow at Resthaven Memory Garden in rural Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Wasmer American Legion Riders in Le Mars.

Robert David Conner was born in Lima, Ohio on September 24, 1936 to George and Verna Conner. He attended Lima Lincoln grade school and South Junior High School. In 1953 at the age of 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps and attended basic training at Camp Lejione in North Carolina and Paris Island in South Carolina. Robert was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1959 from the Marines. He then enlisted in the Iowa National Guard and retired after 20 years of service with the guard.

Robert was in Tampa, Florida when he met Marlene Frerichs. They were united in marriage on April 25, 1965 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars, Iowa. They lived in Lima and Uniopolis, Ohio for six years where Betty Jo and Kathy were born. They moved to the Le Mars area in 1973, first living on an acreage near Brunsville and moving into Le Mars in 1978.

Robert's work history included six years at Superior Coach in Lima, OH where school buses were made, roughly ten years at a meat packing house in Le Mars, and he eventually retired after 27 years as a custodian from Le Mars Community Middle School.

Robert was a long time member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars, Wasmer American Legion of Le Mars, American Legion Riders, Eagles Club, Buck Knife Collectors Association, and National Rifle Association.

Robert enjoyed hunting and had several beloved hunting dogs over the years. He enjoyed collecting and working with guns and reloading shells. He also collected coins, knives, and other valuable items. Robert loved to grow his collections and keep everything organized; so much so that every new item was recorded with a purchase amount and date.

He also enjoyed going camping with his family and riding his motorcycle.

Robert is survived by his daughters: Betty Jo (Tyrone) Arango of Orlando, FL, and Kathy (Hank) Thye of Dallas, TX; grandson, Nathan Jacob of Las Vegas, NV; brothers: Roger (Janet) Conner of Lima, OH, and Russell (Phyliss) Conner of Leesburg, FL; and other extended relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Verna Conner; wife of 59 years, Marlene; brother, Rolland Conner; daughter, Laurie Conner; and granddaughter, Jazyman Jacob.