Obituary of Suzanne Conn

Suzanne “Suzy” Conn passed away on March 10, 2024. Born in Florida, Suzy moved to Iowa shortly after her high school graduation where she would become a longtime resident of Jasper County. There she met and married Dennis Conn. The marriage was brief but produced a daughter, Dana, whom she adored.

Suzy served as a legal assistant for the Jasper County Attorney’s Office for 35 years, retiring in 2009. Her commitment to the community did not end there as she was also a charter member of the Manhattan Christmas Club which later became the St. Nick’s Christmas Club. She served the non-profit by sitting on its board and as an Elf of the Highest Order until she became ill in 2020. She worked tirelessly to do whatever she could to make Christmas special for the residents of Jasper County.

Suzy treasured being the unofficial social director for her friends and coworkers by coordinating lunch plans and planning after work happy hours. She was also known for organizing house parties where everyone would eat, drink, sing and dance. She enjoyed traveling the country but especially loved destinations that included a view of the water. 

Those left to celebrate Suzy’s life are her daughter, Dana (James) Jarvis of Ankeny; sister, Elizabeth Wheeler of Colfax; special friend, Ken Whitehead, of Newton; special friend, Kathy Doyle, of Newton; two grandsons; two great-grandsons; several nieces and nephews; her cat, Hugo; and many treasured friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Pauline; her brother, James; her sister, Harriet; and several beloved cats and dogs.

Friends are invited to a celebration of Suzy's life which will be held on April 13th at the Newton Elks Lodge, starting at 4:00 p.m.  Friends are asked to bring photos and memories to share with the family.  Memorials may be designated to the St. Nick's Christmas Club and may be left at the celebration, mailed to PO Box 162, Newton, IA  50208 or left at Pence Reese Funeral Home.