Conrad, Christian M. (1873-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Apr 8 p. 9

Birth date: 1873 Mar 26

text of obituary:

CHRISTIAN M. CONRAD

Christian M. Conrad, son of Christian and Verona (Graber) Conrad, was born at Cornol, Switzerland March 26, 1873. He passed away after a year of illness at the home of his daughter and son-in law, Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Long of Sterling, Ill., on March 6, 1954 age 80 years, 11 months, and eight days.

At the age of 13, Bro. Conrad with his parents and family migrated to America and settled in Wayne county, Ohio. When he was 23 years of age he went to Flanagan, Ill. and on June 7, 1900, was married to Kathryn Orendorff of Flanagan. To this union six children were born: Ida, Mrs. R. N. Long, Sterling; Nora, nurse at Home hospital, Sterling; Laura, serving as business manager of the Nurmanzil Psychiatric Center Lucknow, India; Eunice, Mrs. O. D. Diller, Wooster, Ohio; Reuben M., Arlington Heights, Ill.; Gladys: Mrs. Clark S. Eberle, Columbus, Ohio.

Surviving are his wife, Kathryn, the six children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary, Mrs. D. W. Good, Sterling; and two brothers, John D. of Sterling, and Jacob G. of Venice, Calif.

Two brothers and four sisters preceded him in death: Joseph, Peter H., Anna (Mrs. Daniel Roth), Kate (Mrs. Jacob Conrad), Fanny (Mrs. Daniel Graber), and Lena.

While at Flanagan, Ill., Bro. Conrad was engaged in farming until 1920, at which time he and his family moved to a farm three miles north of Sterling. They resided at this place until September, 1953, after which time Bro. Conrad and his wife made their home with their daughter.

Bro. Conrad accepted Christ in his youth and united with the Mennonite church. He was active in the Sunday School department, having served at various times as song leader, teacher and superintendent. Bro. Conrad’s life was characterized by a spontaneous spirit of love and generosity to all.

Funeral services were held March 9, 1954, at Science Ridge Mennonite church, Sterling, in charge of Bro. Robert Keller, assisted by Bro. Paul Friesen. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.