Norman Philip Conner

Norman Philip Conner, 86 of St. Anne, IL passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at his home. He was born November 18, 1934, in Chicago, IL, the son of Deane and Martha (Ojanovac) Conner. Norman married “the love of his life” Jacquelyn Finefield at Dyer United Methodist Church, Dyer, IN. Celebrating 33 years together. He had exceptional job opportunities in the United States and Southeast Asia. Norman was a man always true to self, taking great pride in his accomplishments. Here are a few of his many opportunities. Kennedy Space Center, FL, Nasa Launch Complex Pad Mechanic and Apollo/Saturn Launch, Tet. Offensive (Vietnam) maintained Power Plants for Special Forces, Sirikit Oilfield (Lankrabu, Thailand) Norman and his crew brought in the first offshore oil in Thailand, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (Saudi Arabia), Certified Instructor, Propulsion Engineering, High Speed Gunboats for the U.S.A., Natuna Islands (Indonesia), Maintained offshore oil/power plants. Norman worked for other companies. Azzarelli, Kankakee, IL, and T.J. Lambrecht, Joliet, IL. Norman retired from Local 150, International Union of Operating Engineers, Countryside, IL. He was a heavy-equipment operator, and a proud union member. Norman was a Korean War Veteran. Proudly serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Guadalupe, in the West Pacific, Korea, and Japan. His decorated medals included, National Defense Service Medal, United States Service Medal, China Service Medal and Korean Service Medal. Norman was of the Lutheran faith. He was an avid NASCAR fan and was also a fan of the Chicago Bears, White Sox and Cubs. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, racing go-karts and riding his Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle. Norman took great pride in his many trucks, sports cars and loved to cook and entertain guests at home. Most of all he loved his home on the Kankakee River, and spending time with his good friends at the Aroma Park American Legion. He was a 34-year member of the Aroma Park American Legion Post 1019, Kankakee, IL and served on the Legion board as Judge Advocate. Norman was known as the “Legion Ambassador” always greeting old friends and new friends making them feel welcome. He was also a member of the VFW, Kankakee, Aroma Park Boat Club, Kankakee Valley Boat Club, X-Line Sportsman Club, Kankakee, IL. Surviving are his wife Jacquelyn Conner of St. Anne, IL, a sister-in-law; Lavonne Conner of St. John, IN, a brother-in-law; Marion (Cathy) Mason of Osceola, IN, a nephew; Brett (Jacquie) Conner of Schererville, IN, three nieces; Sheri (Tom) Burks of Osceola, IN, Colleen (Bryan) Mangan of South Bend, IN and Chris (Steve) Benson of Granger, IN, a sister-in-law; Sherry Rantz of Bourbonnais, IL, two brother-in- laws; Larry (Debra) Finefield of Janesville, WI and Kevin (Ginger) Finefield of Bourbonnais, IL and many nieces, nephews and friends. Proceeding him in death were his parents, two sisters; Rosemarie Crowder and Donna Mason, a brother; Dean Conner, a sister-in-law; Patricia Conner, a brother-in-law; Charles Crowder, a niece; Linda Crowder and nephew; Mark Crowder. There will be no visitation. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Jensen Funeral Home in Kankakee, IL is in charge of the arrangements. Interment will be, Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 10:30am at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL with U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Deacon Milt Leppert, officiating Saint George Catholic Church. A Celebration of Life to follow at 12:30pm for family and friends at Aroma Park American Legion, Post 1019, Sandbar Road, Kankakee, IL Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care Hospice, 482 Main St. NW Bourbonnais, IL 60914 or Aroma Park American Legion, 739 S. Sandbar Rd., Kankakee, IL Please go to www.jensenfuneralhome.com to sign Norman’s guestbook