Kathleen "Casey" Conner

Kathleen “Casey” Conner, 51, of West Des Moines, Iowa, died June 3, 2021, nearly two years after being diagnosed with Stage IV rectal cancer. Born November 14, 1969 in Toledo, Ohio, to Kenneth and Janet O’Neill, Casey graduated in 1987 from Blissfield (MI) High School. She attended Hillsdale (MI) College and graduated as co-valedictorian in 1991.

Casey was an avid runner in high school and beyond, earning a state championship in track. She earned Academic All-American honors at Hillsdale in both cross country and track. She continued to run throughout her life, completing the Chicago Marathon and several half marathons. Casey was inducted into the Blissfield High School athletic hall of fame in 2006.

Casey married Paul Conner in 1994 and together they have three sons: Sean, Scott and Kevin. The family moved to West Des Moines, Iowa in 2001. Casey held numerous employment positions throughout her life, beginning with writing the “Middle School News” for her local newspaper in the early 80s. Casey also served as a math teacher and running coach, an actuary, and most recently as RCIA director at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, West Des Moines.

Casey is survived by her parents, husband, sons, siblings Molly (Chuck) Klettner, Patrick O’Neill and Stephen (Teresa) O’Neill, and six nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines on June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19th St., West Des Moines. Casey's family invites attendees to join them either electronically via livestream or in person.

To view Casey's service, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTRz8GHFMNc

To view Casey's graveside, please click here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/McLarensResthaven/videos/?ref=page_internal

The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to all the care staff who assisted throughout Casey’s cancer journey, as well as to the many friends, family members, and Sacred Heart parishioners who provided support these past two years.

Memorial donations can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Colon Cancer Foundation of Iowa, or Hospice.