Donald R. Conn

Donald “Don” R. Conn, 95, of South Bend passed away on Saturday, November 2nd at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

Don was born in Winamac, Indiana on October 22, 1929, to Rufus and Katherine (Hoch) Conn. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Navy. He proudly served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged from duty in April 1955.  He came home and took a job as an electronic tech with Bendix Aviation. He retired after 34 years of service. On June 11, 1966, in New Carlisle, IN he married Helen M. Petrilak, sharing 55 loving years together before her passing in 2021. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 297 of New Carlisle, a past Dept. Commander of the Department of Indiana American Legion.  Don was proud to serve his country, taught his family how to respect the flag and loved helping veterans.  He also enjoyed watching any and all Notre Dame sports, tending to his large garden, taking care of his lawn and playing cards but his favorite thing to do was watching all of his grandchildren’s sporting events or spending time with them.

Don is survived by his loving daughter, Lori (William) Zimmerman of Granger, Indiana and his step-daughter, Karen (Kevin) Surma of Ludlow, Vermont. He was the proud grandfather of Evan Zimmerman of Edwardsburg, MI, Ethan (Pachia) Zimmerman of Austin, TX, Elyse Zimmerman of Niles, MI and several treasured nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, two sisters, Olive Lebo and Helen Bitterling and a brother, Harry Conn.

Don and Helen’s world revolved around their grandchildren – from the day they were born, Don helped to babysit them every chance he got.  They attended every sporting event and school activity they possibly could – even travelling long distances to Hope College, Lansing and Indianapolis just to show their support to all three kids.  In his final days, Don was surrounded by the love and presence of family, offering him comfort and peace.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, November 10th in the Hanley and Sons Funeral Home, 23421 SR 23, South Bend from 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM. A Service will be held at 3:30 PM in the funeral home. Military Honors will follow the service provided by the American Legion Post #297 burial team. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at a later date. Online condolences may be left at hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Indiana American Legion Foundation in support of Hoosier Boys State and Indiana Legion scholarships. Please indicate your preference and note “in memory of Don Conn” in the memo line.  Checks can be mailed to:

Indiana American Legion Foundation  

Attn: Indiana American Legion Foundation  

5440 Herbert Lord Rd.  

Indianapolis, IN 46216

The Hanley and Sons Funeral Home is handling arrangements and extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of Don’s family and friends.

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