Dean Conn

Dean Conn, 77, of Grinnell, died Sunday, May 24, 2020, at his home under the care of UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice.

A public graveside service with military honors will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 28 at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell with Rev. John Epperson officiating. The family requests those attending the service gather by their cars to practice social distancing.

Memorials may be designated to the St. Francis Manor Foundation or to UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Dean’s family online at smithfh.com.

Larry Dean Conn was born the son of John and Blossom (Blackwood) Conn April 13, 1943 in Newton. He was raised in Newton and graduated from Newton High School with the class of 1961. He honorably served his country in the National Guard from 1961 – 1967. 
Dean was united in marriage to Frances Starnes June 19, 1965, at the Grinnell United Methodist Church. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Denise and Jason. Dean and Fran lived in Grinnell and they operated the family business, Starnes TV and Appliance in Grinnell for many years together. Dean was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing (especially his trips to Canada) and doing landscaping projects. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Kansas City Chiefs. He dearly loved his family and always looked forward to being with his grandchildren and attending their activities. Dean will be remembered for his hard work ethics, his kindness, always helping others and for the strong love of his family.

Dean is survived by his wife of 54 years, Fran Conn of Grinnell; daughter, Denise (Don) Fleener of New Sharon; son, Jason (Tracey) Conn of Redding, Calif.; five grandchildren, Trent (Erynn Campbell) Fleener, Morgan (Matthew Smith) Fleener, Brandt Fleener, Jack Conn and Kyle Conn; and his sister, Darlene (Dave) VandeLune of Pella. He was preceded in death by his parents.