Darlene Fay Conner

Darlene F. Conner, age 91, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare in Austin. Darlene Fay Sanow was born on June 14, 1932, in Remsen, Iowa, to August and Emma (Kerner) Sanow. She attended school in Remsen. Darlene met Junior Lee Connor in La Mars, Iowa and the couple was married on August 27, 1950, in Remsen. Darlene and Junior and family moved to Minnesota in the early 1960’s. She worked at Burr Oak in Austin as a nurse’s aide for 25 years. Darlene was a member of the Salvation Army Church in Austin. She enjoyed bingo, cross stitch, and word books. Darlene especially loved raising her family, reading, and baking. She was a wonderful baker and always gave her treats out to family and friends for Christmas gifts.

Darlene is survived by her children, Bruce Conner of Austin, Dean (Wendy) Conner of Austin, Betty (Daryl) Griese of Austin, Rick (Lori) Conner of Bloomington, Debora Conner and significant other, Don, of Austin, Penny Conner of Waseca, and Bonnie (John) Morrison of Humboldt; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, John Parmenter of Austin; sister, Shirley Nilles of Kingsley, Iowa; special nephew, Kevin (Malia) Mouser of Remsen, Iowa; and special friends, Ward “Pete” (Sue) Freese of Blooming Prairie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Junior; daughters, Fay Enfield, and Barb Parmenter; son, Gene (Linda) Conner; parents, August and Emma; daughter-in-law, Dianna Conner; and siblings, Wayne, Harlen, Don, Luella, and Arlene.