Obituary: Lonnie ‘Lon’ Conroy, 75, of Free Soil

Lonnie “Lon” V. Conroy, 75, of Free Soil, passed away in Traverse City with his family at his bedside on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Lon was born in Shelby on May 26, 1948 to the late Vaughn and Thelma (Smith) Conroy. He entered the U.S. Army at the young age of 17. He proudly served six years in the Vietnam War. Lon married the love of his life, Roberta (Broek), on February 8, 1975 in Muskegon. They recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

Lonnie had so many different jobs over the years: he delivered eggs, owned a laundromat and diaper service in Fremont, worked for 22 years as a plant manager in Grand Haven, owned two video stores in Fremont and White Cloud, and later retired as the postmaster of Custer for the United States Postal Service.

Lon loved spending time with his family whether it be cookouts in the backyard, fishing, or two-tracking with the Cadillac. He was always there for them no matter what. He loved Laughlin, Nevada and the casino, which at times he had very good luck. In memory, go take $5 and buy a scratch off or pull that handle, he might just be sitting on your shoulder for luck or a laugh. Lon loved woodworking and remodeling homes. Every home was a fixer upper, even his children’s homes.

Lon was a very proud but humble Vietnam veteran and a lifetime member of the VFW.

Lon is survived by his loving and devoted wife Roberta; his children, Jamie (Michael) Powers, Terri Conroy, and Monte (Amanda) Conroy; his granddaughter Skylar; and his great-grandson Kingsley Ray Vaughn. He is also survived by his brother Rex (Shirley) Conroy; his sister Jean (Ken) Near; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Monte Mitteer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Lonnie Conroy may be directed to VFW Camp Trotter Newaygo. Please earmark the check with camp trotter scholarship fund.

Mail to:

Department of Michigan

VFW Camp Trotter Newaygo

924 N Washington Ave

Lansing, MI 48906

Cremation has taken place, and a small private family memorial will take place at a later date.

Please post any memories or pictures you may have to oakgrovefh.com