James Conner

James E. Conner, 82, lifelong Superior area resident, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday September 12, 2009 at St. Luke's Hospital, Duluth, Minnesota following a brief illness.
James was born in Superior on March 30, 1927 the son of Clate and Delma (Drinkwine) Conner.
He graduated from Superior East High School and the Waukesha Technical Institute, in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
James married Arliss J. Heytens, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on November 24, 1955 and recently celebrated fifty-four years of marriage.
He was employed by the State of Wisconsin as a State Building Inspector retiring in 1992 after twenty-three years of employment. James served on the Douglas County Board from 1974 to 2000. He was most proud of his work on the building and grounds, zoning and ambulance committees.
He was a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Superior and a member of the Belgium Club.
He enjoyed spending time outdoors in the yard with tomatoes, sunflowers and being at the cabin at Lake Nebagamon. He great enjoyed decorating for Christmas and won many awards for his outdoor decorations.
James was a loving and caring husband and proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandson.
He is survived by his wife, Arliss J. (Heytens) Conner; his children, Jean (Allen) Rivord, Superior; Terry (Kathy) Conner, Solon Springs, WI; Jeffrey Conner, Superior; Mary Bastien, Lawton, Oklahoma; eleven grandchildren, Sarah Rivord, Chris Rivord, Eric Rivord, James Conner, Ryan Wilson, Danielle Conner, Lucas Conner, Hannah Dudsic, Susan (Alex) Buchschacher, Kevin Magnant, and Erica Magnant; one great grandson, Conner Buchschacher; three sisters, Elizabeth Bogan, Joyce Peterson, and Rosemary (Gary) Zanko; two brothers, Fred (Jeannine) Conner and Peter (Sandy) Conner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clate and Delma Conner.
A Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Rev. Father James Tobolski as celebrant.
Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers for the service will be his grandchildren.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in James name.