Richard Conrad Obituary

Richard H. "Dick" Conrad, age 88, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1964, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at his home. He had worked for the J.C. Penney Company, owned Conrad Fabrics in the Citadel Mall for many years, was a church leader and a volunteer with Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care. Richard Henry Conrad was born on July 20, 1923 in Brighton, Iowa to Ray and Mabel (McCarty) Conrad. After high school, Dick went to on to join the United States Army in World War II and was part of the Normandy Invasion where he was a member of 612 Engineers Light Equipment Company. He married Lucille Minnie Schwerin on May 25, 1947 in Waterloo, Iowa. Dick was a former store manager with the J.C. Penney Company and worked in Iowa City, Iowa; Waterloo, Iowa; Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After his work with the J.C. Penney Company he opened his own business called Conrad Fabrics in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After leaving the fabric business he sold life insurance and long term care insurance into his eighties. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, was former President of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, was former President of his Rotary Club, and had currently, with his dog, Tess, been volunteering with Pikes Peak Hospice. He enjoyed gardening, golf, and spectator sports. He is survived by his son: Steve (wife Beth) Conrad of Ridgefield, Washington; his daughter: Dianne (husband Bob) Wilkerson of Colorado Springs; his brother: Robert (wife Margo) Conrad of La Connor, Washington; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and his faithful canine companion: Tess. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille, who passed away in 2000. A Celebration of his Life with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 4925 Farmingdale Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918. A luncheon reception will follow the services at the church. Cremation is planned and a private inurnment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery Columbarium. Memorials in Mr. Conrad's name may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church or to the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 825 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. Dick will be best remembered for his faith and his devotion to family. He will be greatly missed by his family and many dear friends.