John Conners, Jr., 87, of Fish Lake in Walkerton, Ind. passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
He was born June 22, 1932 in Chicago to John Sr. and Alice (Turner) Conners.
John was a member of the Teamsters Union and was dedicated to his career as a truck driver for over 50 years. Before that he served in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of the Korean war. He was a national life member and past commander of the VFW in Chicago, Ill.; a member of the American Legion Post #400 at Fish Lake; past president and member of the Fish Lake Home Owners Association, the Fish Lake Conservation Club and the Canaryville Veterans Association in Chicago.
On July 11, 1953 John married the love of his life, Ida M. Wagner. The couple celebrated 67 anniversaries being as in love with each other as the day they married.
Ida survives to cherish his memory, along with their eight children, John Conners III (Margie) of Chicago, Mary Wyatt (Doug) of Henderson, Tenn., Cathy Dickman (Wally) of Fish Lake, Margaret Gach of Chicago, Pam Florence of Fish Lake, Bernie Conners (Jay) of La Porte, Ida Ludwig of La Porte, and Fred Conners of Fish Lake; 17 grandchildren; numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Judy Leonard of Alabama; and a brother, George Conners (Kathy) of Henderson, Tenn. John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Rose Rice and Lorraine Stiller; and sons-in-law, Chuck Gach, Glenn Florence, Jim Nelson and Dan Hughes.
John devoted his life to his family and lived every day with integrity. He enjoyed playing pinochle, working in his yard, and watching a western, and he was just happy to be with his family. John was also an avid Chicago sports fan who never missed a Sox or Cubs game and loved cheering on “DA Bears!!” He was known for his easy-going mannerism and was considered “dad” to many more than his own eight children. He had a truly giving heart. His unconditional love, care, and encouragement will remain in the hearts of his family always.
Due to the Covid-19 virus, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte. is handling the arrangements.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.