Audrey M. Conant

Audrey (Zahn) Conant, 95, of Ripon, WI, passed away Monday morning, March 17, 2025, at Ripon Hospital. She was born May 27, 1929, in Fairwater, Wisconsin, the second oldest daughter of Reinhold and Francis (Liefke) Zahn. She graduated from Ripon High School in 1947.

In August of 1948, Audrey married Roger B. Conant at the First Congregational Church of Ripon. Audrey was an active member of the church until her death. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and mentored students in several confirmation classes. Audrey was also a member of the church’s Board of Trustees, Board of Deacons, Finance Committee, Search Committee, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, and Womens’ Fellowship. In addition, Audrey was a member of Ripon Science Club.

Audrey worked at Triarch Incorporated for 52 years. Triarch is a Ripon based microscope slide company founded by her father in-law, George H. Conant, who was succeeded by his son, Paul L. Conant. Triarch is currently managed by Paul’s daughter, Cathy Conant.

In 2006, the Ripon Commonwealth Press selected Audrey as “Person of the Year” for “quietly dedicating her life to the service of others.”

Survivors include two sons, James (Susan) Conant of Fairfax Station, VA, and their children, Jennifer (Mario) Borha of Chicago, IL, and Stephanie Conant of Washington, D.C.; David (Cassie) Conant of Newport Beach, CA, and their children, Taylor (Peagan) Conant, of Dallas TX, Catie (Zachary) Morley of Kamas, UT, Kellie (Brandon) Stoll of Dallas, TX, and Emily (Cameron) Miller of Erie, CO; seven great-grandchildren, Vanderbilt, Aurelia, and Helen Conant, Merryn, Kemper, and Sunday Morley, and David (Ford) Stoll; and two step great-grandchildren, Margaret and Edith Borha.

Audrey is also survived by her sister, Joy (Tom) Kuhs, of Kalamazoo, MI; two sisters-in-law, Florence Conant and Claire Neynaber; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Audrey Conant will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the First Congregational Church of Ripon, with the Rev. Michael Safford-Kennedy officiating. The family will receive visitors at the church from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be held at the church following the funeral service and burial at Hillside Cemetery.