Harry Wilson Conner

Harry grew up working on the family farm before he was enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.

He and his first wife Shirley (Myers) Conner married in 1955. They raised two children, Kathy and Kevin, in Beecher City and then later moved to Lindenwood, IL, after Harry accepted a position as a District Sales Manager for Lowe Seeds. There, they shared their life together for over 25 years.

Harry was a strong, determined man who took great pride in working in the garden where he grew an abundance of vegetables that he would share with family and friends. This is where his daughter, Kathy, gained her love for gardening. Harry also meticulously cared for his lawn, going so far as tying the lawn mower to a tree, just so he could make sure the steep creekside embankment could be freshly mowed. For years, he worked as the local groundskeeper for the Lindenwood Cemetery. Harry truly was a handyman who rarely relied on repairmen for help, as he maintained all his own equipment. He was also a volunteer fireman for the Lindenwood Fire Department for over fifteen years, and his son, Kevin, followed in his footsteps.

As a grandpa, he created a fun haven in the backyard with a tree fort, seesaw, tetherball, and a swing that overlooked the creek. He even taught his grandchildren how to shoot a BB gun. When it came to sweets, he was always quick to offer a heaping bowl of ice cream.

In 1992, Harry later married Shirley Akre Cates, and they shared a life together for 19 years.

Harry is survived by Daughter, Kathy (Steve) Austin; Daughter-in-law, Sheila Conner; Grandchildren: Michael (Jillian) Austin, Mark (Katy) Austin, Jennifer (Brett) Miller, Caitlyn Conner, Brock (Mandi) Conner; Great Grandchildren: Jonathan, Lauren, William, Annabelle, Grant, Ellen Marie, Margaret, Levi, Amelia, Ruby, Payton, Paige, Arianna, Alanna, Kaleb, Konner, and Kole; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by: Parents, Wilson and Violet (Slifer) Conner; Sister, Carolyn (Musser) Laue; Son, Kevin Conner; Wife, Shirley (Akre Cates) Conner. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Harry's name to be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date.

Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 10 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 West State Street, Rockford, IL, 61102. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial following immediately at Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery in Pecatonica.