Colleen Conger, 72, of Ollie, died Thursday, May 28, 2026, at her home.
She was born on December 30, 1953, in Packwood, Iowa, the daughter of Alvin and Ruth McClarnon Eklofe. She grew up with 19 siblings and much of her youth was spent helping with her siblings. She was united in marriage to Robert Conger. To this union two children were born Shawna and Sam. Colleen and Robert later divorced. Early on Colleen worked in rural Keokuk County caring for the elderly in their homes and helping them with cleaning and errands. She later did a lot of house cleaning and painting in the area. Last she worked at the calendar factory in Washington and for Keota Products. On February 14, 1993, she was united in marriage to Ralph Conger in Mahaska County. To this union a daughter Sasha was born. Ralph died on April 14, 2012.
She enjoyed attending Jubilee Church and Grace Family Church. Family was Colleens biggest delight; she always looked forward to family gatherings. She also enjoyed trips to the casino, fishing, playing cards, going on walks, and sisters’ retreats. She was very particular about her yard; her lawn and flower beds were always perfect.
Her family includes five children, Shawna Ingle of rural Ollie, Sam Conger of Ollie, and Sasha (Brandon) Sieren of Fairfield, Troy (April) Conger, and Andy (Stephanie) Conger; fourteen grandchildren, Lainey, Holly, Drake, Amber, Brenna, Celsey, Bonnie, Clayton, Quincy, Shelby,Zack, Tanner, Noah, and Nathan; eleven great grandchildren; her siblings, Larry Eklofe, Violet Zook, Marlene (Darrell) Black, Bob (Linda) Eklofe, Marlin Eklofe, Delna Eklofe, Leona (Darrell) Swope, Chuck (Cheryl) Eklofe, Tina Eklofe, Rick (Joy) Eklofe, Bonnie (David) Kopsieker, and Loretta (Willie) Messerschmitt; brothers and sisters in law, Jimmy (Mary Lou) Conger, Larry (Janet) Conger, Bobby Conger, Dale Conger (special friend Kat), Ruth Conger, Joyce Kospieker, Juanita Jones, and Arlene Shy; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ralph Conger; two sons in law, Scott Walker and Cory Ingle; a daughter in law, Becky Conger; siblings, Maryann Knotts, Sandra Bloomquist, Dixie Carder, Jerry Eklofe, Joe Eklofe, Sam Eklofe, and Gary Eklofe; brothers and sisters in law, Dean Conger, Edward Conger, Delbert Conger, Carolyn Skinner, Judy Ellis, Paul Conger, Raymond Conger, Linda Conger, and Darlene Conger.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Prairie View Church at Ollie with Pastor Steven Lamb officiating. As was Colleen’s wish her body has been cremated. The Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the family.
