Dr. Bradley Ross Conner, EDD
September 19, 1953 – December 22, 2021
Dr. Bradley Ross Conner, 68, of Papillion, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. He was born in Oregon, Wisconsin, on September 19, 1953, to Robert and Mildred (Yoder) Conner.
Brad was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, fishing buddy, educator, administrator, neighbor, tennis partner, and friend to many who will miss him immensely.
He grew up in Crete, Nebraska, and graduated from Crete High School. Brad went on to attend Doane College where he graduated with a degree in Elementary and Special Education. He earned two Specialists degrees in School Administration and School Psychology and a Master of Science from the University of Nebraska – Kearney, a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
He married his high school sweetheart, Connie, on the Doane College campus on June 29, 1975. They were blessed with two daughters, Jill and Leslie; and three grandchildren: Cael, Conner and Jude.
Brad loved being a dad and a grandfather even more, and sharing his passions for fishing, hunting, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, gardening, canning vegetables and watching dirt track racing. Most often he could be found on a lake or a river while spending time in the Nebraska Sandhills or Northwest Wisconsin with family and friends.
Brad was always fair and kind. He was well respected, especially by those he worked alongside in Nebraska’s education community. He always cheered for the underdog, in any situation, unless it was a football team playing against the Packers. He and his wife were best friends, who simply enjoyed time with each other, sitting on the deck and taking turns feeding the chipmunks, birds and squirrels at the lake and making each other laugh.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Connie; daughters, Jill Lippincott (Derek), Leslie Van Winkle (Brent); grandchildren: Cael Fitch, Conner Van Winkle and Jude Lippincott; siblings, Sid and Cheryl (Wilson) Conner, Randy Conner and Diane Reynolds, and Connie (Conner) Haeffner; and brother-in-law, Steve and Joan (Gergen) Wilson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mildred (Yoder) Conner; father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Betty (Best) Wilson.
A visitation will take place on December 29th from 11am to 1pm at Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, located at 7805 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124, immediately followed by a MEMORIAL SERVICE. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Doane University Wrestling Program, or to the Doane University Conner/Wettergren Endowment Fund (Doane University, Office of Advancement, 1014 Boswell Ave., Crete, NE 68333).
26 Comments
I’m very sorry for your loss and send my sincere condolences.
Our deepest sympathy! Just find comfort in knowing he is with the angels and one day you will be together again. Prayers are with the family.
My heart is breaking for your family. A terrible loss for all that knew him. Hugs sent.
Brad was a great man and educational leader who always put children first. I am sure when Brad meet Jesus invited him to go fishing. Rest in peace my friend.
So sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. We have such fond memories of our time spent with you in Norfolk. Know our prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry. Thinking of you.
Connie, I was so shocked to see that Brad had died. I happened to look at obituaries and saw Brad’s name. So many memories. I met his through my sister Martha when they were student teaching. Little di I know we would be co workers. I appreciate sir very much how Brad always had my back. He was honest and fair with everyone. What a great legacy! I am praying for you and your family, May you feel God;s ending love, strength and grace!
Dearest family. Dr Conner was our counseling mentor and supporter and friend I’m so sorry to hear about his death. And will miss him a lot ❤️
Connie, Jill, Leslie and families–We are so sorry to hear of Brad’s passing and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad and difficult time. We enjoyed working with Brad when you lived in Broken Bow and really enjoyed your family. He positively touched so many lives and leaves behind a great legacy. He will be missed by all who knew him. We know he’s watching over all of you from Heaven.
I was shocked to the bone to learn of Brad’s death. My thoughts immediately took me back to times long passed. The decades come and go and yet the memories both good and the bad still surprisingly fresh wash over me. Brad’s passing reminds one of our mortality and time is a cruel keeper. I am not good at saying good bye. I am sorry to say he passed over way too soon, but his life melded with mine, gone but not forgotten…
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Connie and the girls and all. Brad was the best while in Norfolk we were sad on the day he moved. But many memories, quite humorous. I’m sure he is entertaining a few angels now. He will àlways be remembered by many. LONG MAY YOU RIDE, FAR MAY YOU RIDE, AND FAR OUT MAY YOU RIĎE!!
That was a wonderful tribute to a person I want to try to emulate, not so much in the particulars, i.e. love of the Packers, but in the essence of a person who obviously will be sorely missed.
I have never forgotten an observance I heard at the funeral of a very dear friend. It has brought me comfort. Maybe it can be of help to you: “The extent of your grief for the loss of a loved-one reflects the extent of the love you shared.” Based on your tribute, you shared a whole lot of love., a love I am sure you will never forget.
I am so sorry to hear that Brad passed away. I had the privilege of working with Brad. His sense of humor was wonderful. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie, I am so saddened to hear of Brad’s sudden death. I treasure my CNSSP work experiences with him. He was a high energy, passionate educator who was so good to and for people. He lived such a full life; but I can’t imagine how devastated you and your girls must be! May you find peace and may Brad Rest In Peace!
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Brad was a great person to work with. He was so fair and did go for the underdog! He always was a champion for children. He was a great at debating but never did it to win. He debated for both parties to come away with a little more knowledge,. Thus an educator for life.
We were so saddened to learn of Brad’s death. We enjoyed him as a neighbor for many years.
I am so sad to learn of Brad’s passing. He taught me a great deal and I considered him a mentor. He was always kind, even when you made big mistakes, he helped me many times throughout my career and I treasure the lessons he taught me. May he rest in peace and I pray your memories of him keep you smiling.
Brad was a wonderful guy and made this world a better place. His passion for working with kids, and his leadership to build programs for them will be missed. He always talked about his family an was so proud of his clan.
Donna and I extend our deepest sympathies to Brad’s family! I was a member of the Papillion- La Vista School Board when Brad was on the staff and enjoyed working with him.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to your family. Brad has always been a great, kind and helpful neighbor to us at the lake. We always enjoyed having him around and hearing him talk about his hunting & fishing experiences.
May his family be blessed from all the cherished memories and wishes of condolences from all his friends, co-workers. A lovely man who will be missed by all of us and peace to his family. Pat Frost and Michele Borg
My deepest condolences to your family. Thank you for the livestream. Oh for one more conversation with Brad; I never knew he was born in Oregon, WI! I was as well and asked my mom about Bob and Millie and I got a non-stop half hour of stories!! My mom is sure she babysat Sid and probably Brad and had actually communicated with Bob and Millie after they left Oregon. I worked with Brad for over 20 years and no idea of these connections! There is a text limit here, so feel free to reach out for more stories. May memories bring you some comfort during this difficult time.
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of such a wonderful person. My condolences to his family and close friends.
I am so sorry to hear about Brad’s death. I enjoyed working with him at Norfolk Public Schools, My deepest sympathy to all.
My sympathies to the Conner family. Brad was a great colleague to countless Nebraska educators. I had the privilege of serving on some accreditation visits with Brad and to work with him on numerous occasions during his tenure at NDE. He was highly regarded and I always appreciated his insights and candid advice. Thankful to have known Brad!
I am so sorry to hear of this great loss. I worked with Brad over the years at NDE and he was always so helpful and thoughtful about every situation. My sympathies are extended to all of his family and friends.
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