Edwin "Ed" T. Conn

Edwin T. “Ed” Conn, 92, of Montrose, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 8:30pm, surrounded by his family at his home.

He was born in Keokuk on November 19, 1927, the second son of Bernard T. and Cecil Fern (Miller) Conn.  On October 6, 1951, he was united in marriage to E. Mae Horsey in Burlington, Iowa.

Ed was a lifelong resident of Keokuk. He graduated from St. Peter high school in 1944, and was drafted into the US Army, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska.  He returned to Keokuk, going to work at Hubinger Co., retiring in 1990.  He then helped Mae in starting and growing Conn Communications, Inc.

Ed is survived by his wife, Mae of Montrose, daughters Peggy (Mike) Eaton of Quincy, IL; Rose Marie Sutton of Donnellson, and Mary Pat Rogers of Bettendorf; sons Anthony (Lori) of Keokuk, Kevin (Kersten) of Des Moines; and James (Jennifer) of Ames; grandchildren , Molly (Brad) Griggs, Keresten Bryant, Andy (Trish) Holman, Tony Holman, T.J. (Nicole) Holman, Adam Sutton, Amanda Sutton, Emily Conn, Daniel Conn, Louie Conn, Evi Conn, Austin Bullard, Ethan (Sarah) Bullard, Neil Conn, Owen Conn, Anna Conn, Sam Conn, and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Linda Holman of Springfield, MO; and brother Robert Conn of Savannah, GA.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Montrose, the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles (Ft. Madison), and American Legion.  Ed was well known as a musician, playing in bands in tri-state area.  He played clarinet in McNamara’s band, and was the last surviving charter member of that band.  For decades, he played drums and vocals in various combinations of his own band, mostly known as the Keossippi Six, playing at dances, weddings, and other special events around the area.  All that knew Ed remember, with a smile, his quick wit and ability to remember a joke for any occasion.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am, Friday October 16, 2020, at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk.  Burial with military honors will follow at Keokuk National Cemetery.  The family will meet with friends for visitation on Thursday from 4 to 7 pm at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa.  A Christian Vigil Service will be held on Thursday at the funeral home at 7 pm directly after the visitation.

For the safety of those attending, masks are strongly encouraged, and social distancing practices will be in place.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up with Keokuk Area Community Foundation, for the benefit of the Keokuk Community Schools music programs.

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