Sammie E. Conner, 95 of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa passed away Friday, September 22, 2023 at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. Services will be held 2:00pm Monday, October 2, 2023 at the Sergeant Bluff United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

How do you possibly fit 95 years of life into a few short paragraphs? You don’t! This is only a glimpse, and we look forward to sharing more wonderful memories during Sam’s celebration of life service on Monday, October 2nd at 2:00pm at the United Methodist Church in Sgt. Bluff. The family visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00pm.

Sammie Eugene Conner, born in 1928 to Scott and Rhoda Conner in Royal, Nebraska, was the youngest of eight children. He was lucky enough to have 7 older sisters who we attribute for making him the sweet and caring man he was. Living during the Great Depression, Sammie learned early on the value of hard work. He helped bail hay, herd cattle, and even collected scrap metal in his wagon which would later be used to make weapons during World War II. He also worked as a movie projectionist at the town theater and a pin setter at the local bowling alley, all while serving as the Class President at Ewing, Nebraska High School.

In 1947, Sam worked for HW Johnson Construction with Frank Buser, where the added bonus of this job was meeting one of Frank’s daughter, Patricia. Patti quickly became the love of his life and the two were united in marriage on May 20th, 1948. Shortly after, they began a family and raised Dennis, Tom, Sue, and Terri. Together, they created a house full of love, faith, and laughter, and always welcomed neighbors, friends, and extended family into their home.

While living primarily in Dakota City and Sgt. Bluff, Sam worked at Iowa Public Service (IPS) for over forty years, starting as meter reader and retiring as the supervisor of the gas service department. After his regular work hours, Sam also worked for James Bishop changing furnace filters for Bishop Homes. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting with all the families and never thought of it as “work.” Out of all his jobs throughout his lifetime, Patti loved to point out that Sam never once filled out a job application. Everyone knew he was dependable and a hard worker.

Sam served on the Dakota City Fire Department and Sgt. Bluff Fire Department for a combined 24 years. He was also a Boy Scout leader and served on the Dakota City Town Board. He was an active member of the Engineers Club, Kiwanis Club, and Lions Club. He and Patti were faithful members of the Methodist Church in both Dakota City and Sgt. Bluff.

Sam was always active and treasured his time spent with others. No matter where he went, it wouldn’t be long before you heard “Hi Sam!” Everyone knew him, and he made a special point to chat with those he knew well and those he didn’t. Sam also loved to roller skate, dance, play cards, fish, mow, attend parades, take car rides, and “fix” things in his spotless garage. In his later years, he enjoyed sitting in their sunroom watching the birds and squirrels, as well as chatting with all the visitors who stopped by.

On September 22nd, 2023, at the age of 95, Sam was greeted in heaven by his loving parents, two siblings who died in infancy, six sisters, and his granddaughter, Mandy, along with several other family members, special friends, classmates, and community members.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Patricia, his four children: Dennis (Linda) Conner, Tom Conner, Sue (Gerald) Mitchell, and Terri Miller, his eight grandchildren: Chad (Jen) Conner, Shane (Carrie) Conner, Quinn (Inna) Conner, Michelle (Beau) Streck, Tara (David) Conner, Tyler (Nicole) Conner, Kristi (James) Franco, and Katy Miller, twenty great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and one remaining sister, 98 year old Bette.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Hospice of Siouxland for their comfort and support, to Aggies Restaurant for their love and delicious meals when we needed it most, and to everyone who expressed their love for Sam and Patti throughout the years.