Janet Marie Conner, 85, of Hutchinson passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024, at her home. A celebration of life gathering will be held Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 2 – 4 p.m. at New Journey UCC at 31-4th Ave SW in Hutchinson with inurnment in Woodbury Cemetery in Lyle Township, Mower County.
 Janet “Jan” Marie Conner was born on October 12, 1939, in Austin, Mower County. She was the daughter of Harry and Loretta (Naatz) Rappe. She received her education in Austin and was a graduate of Austin High School.
 On December 12, 1959, Janet was united in marriage to James “Jim” Edwin Conner at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oelwein, Iowa. Janet and Jim resided in Austin until 1972 when they moved to Hutchinson and shared 52 years of marriage prior to Jim’s passing in 2012.
 Jan worked at the Hutchinson Hospital until her retirement. She was a columnist for the Hutchinson Leader speaking out on topics related to diversity, inclusion, and woman empowerment. She was an active member of the Democratic party and did not back down from a robust conversation regarding politics.
 Jan is survived by her nieces, Kandice Herman-Rappe of Eden Prairie, Heather Allen (Jeremy) of Aredale, Iowa; nephew Stephen Anderson of St. Paul; cousin Carol McAlister (Jack) of Austin; special companion Lewis Lakey of Minneapolis; numerous great-nieces and -nephews.
 Jan is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Conner; parents, Harry and Loretta Rappe; and brother, William Rappe.