Lance Daniel Conner, age 42, died on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at his residence under hospice care. He was born on the 6th of August, 1981, in Ottumwa, Iowa. He carried a humble spirit, an unparalleled zest for life, and a heart full of compassion. He was a man of genuine love, always putting others before himself, and his reliability was a trait cherished by all who knew him. His loyalty knew no bounds, whether it was to his family, his friends, his favorite sports teams, or his Navy colleagues, Lance was a rock – steadfast and unyielding.
For Lance, life was a vast ocean to be explored, much like his time as a Sonar Tech in the United States Navy, and he earned the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. His love for his work was evident in his decade-long career as a CNC Programmer at Vermeer, a role he filled with dedication and excellence. Lance’s hobbies were as diverse and vibrant as he was. He was a passionate supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his beloved Albia Blue Demons. His love for wrestling was infectious, often seen cheering on his son, Brodie, and his teammates. His most recent venture into girls wrestling showcased his progressive spirit, where he was a mentor to Serene Thompson, who he considered a daughter. He was also working on transitioning to enjoying following basketball with is son James playing. He loved watching James do what he enjoyed. Lance also had a soft spot for thrift stores, live auctions, and the thrilling ambiance of a casino. Yet, nothing could rival his love for a family reunion, a testament to his loving nature.
His life was a testament to the powerful combination of passion and humility. A man of few words, Lance had a way of making everyone feel seen and heard. His kind heart and warm spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by three children, Brodie, James & Autum; father, Dan Conner; mother, Gretchen (Cornie) Van Walbeek; one brother, Ross (Haley) Eveland; two step sisters, Mia Countryman, Micole (Josh Chapman) Van Walbeek, step brother, Skyler (Katie) Van Walbeek, step brother, Justin Hanson; grandfather Ray, and three grandchildren. Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.
He was preceded in death by Paternal grandparents, Don and Phyllis Conner; Maternal grandparents, John and Mary Jo Peterson; step brother-in-law, Joe Countryman.
The visitation for Lance will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia. The funeral service will follow later in the day at 7:00 p.m. with Carrie England officiating at the Welcome Home Soldier Monument, located at 6451 U.S. 34, Albia, Iowa, 52531 with military rites. Please bring a lawn chair, and wear informal clothing per his wishes. Anything wrestling, or military would be more than appropriate. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials have been established to the family. The service will also be accessible via live stream at https://my.gather.app/remember/lance-conner.
In memory of Lance, we invite you to share your stories, precious moments, and upload photos to his memorial page. It is in sharing these memories that we keep Lance’s vibrant spirit alive.