Obituaries
Obituary for Dr. David E. Conner
Dr. David E. Conner, age 82, of Elmwood, IL, formerly of Edwards, IL, and Fulton, IL, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Country Comfort Retirement Homes of Elmwood. Cremation rites have been accorded; there will be no visitation or funeral service at this time. Interment will take place at a later date at Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL. The Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
David was born on November 17, 1941, in Morrison, IL, to William James Conner and Elizabeth Ellen (Heller) Conner. He was a 1959 graduate of Fulton High School and went on to graduate from the University of Dubuque in 1963 with a bachelor's degree. He earned a Master of Science degree from New Mexico Highlands University in 1964 and completed his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago in 1968. After his medical residency, he served in the U.S. Air Force. In 1963, he married Sandra Sue Nelson in Cedar Rapids, IA. They had one daughter, Corinne Elizabeth. They later divorced. In 1971, he married Marsha Joyce Monroe. They had one daughter, Tisha Lynn and one son, Rory William, they also eventually divorced.
A dedicated professional, David did his orthopedic surgery residency at OSF St. Francis in Peoria, IL, after completing medical school. He joined the Orthopedic Surgery Group in Peoria and worked as an orthopedic hand surgeon. The group later joined with another local orthopedic group and became Midwest Orthopaedic Center in Peoria, from which he retired in 2006. He was an excellent surgeon and helped many people throughout his career. In addition to his medical practice, he owned multiple companies, including Conner Cattle Company, Conner Nursery & Gardens, started in 1994 and Kickapoo Creek Winery (KCW), started in 2005. He was an active member of various organizations, including the American Legion in Cordova, IL, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the IL Wine Association. His special interests and hobbies included participating in plays and writing poetry while in high school and college, growing hostas, cultivating grapes and making wine. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, mingling with the customers and staff at KCW, giving tours of the winery, the music of Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn and was an avid dog lover and supporter of animal rescue.
David is survived by his children Corinne "Cori" (Jeffrey) Fogle of Sully, IA, Tisha (Brandon) Giles of Youngsville, NC and Rory (Mary) Conner of Farmington, NM; eight grandchildren: Bailey (Brandon) Roderick, Richard (Brianna) Fogle, Jacob Fogle, Jolan Fogle, Carissa & Katelyn Giles, and Kale & Emery Conner; five great-grandchildren: Killian, Charlie, Finnick, & Rowick Roderick, and Hunter Fogle. He is also survived by one sister, Gloria (Mike) Graville of Corcoran, CA; one half-sister, Joyce Runge of Clinton, IA; two brothers, James (Sharon) Conner of Port Byron, IL, and Gerald (Ellen) Conner of Sterling, IL; and his long-time friend, Lisa Baize of Kickapoo, IL.
David was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew, Randy Conner.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dupuytren’s Research Group, The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Peoria, IL, or Foster Pet Outreach – Edwards, IL.
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Cemetery Details
Location
Fulton Township Cemetery
701 Fowler Rd,
Fulton, IL 61252
Memorial Contribution
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Peoria, IL
Foster Pet Outreach – Edwards, IL
Dupuytren’s Research Group
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