Conrad, John D. (1878-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 May 22 p. 8

Birth date: 1878 Oct 25

text of obituary:

JOHN D. CONRAD

John D. Conrad, son of Christian and Verena Conrad, was born Oct. 25,1878, in Cornol, Switzerland, and departed this life at Community General Hospital, Sterling, Ill. on April 24, 1958, at the age of 70.

In 1898 he united in marriage with Emma Orendorff at Flanagan, Ill. He is survived by his wife, Emma; four sons, David of Plymouth, Ind., Chauncey of Prophetstown, Ill., Irvin of Toledo, Ohio, and Vernon of Gibson City, Ill.; one brother, Jacob Conrad of Venice, Calif., and one sister, Mary, Mrs. Dan Good of Sterling, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephew, relatives and friends.

He came to this country with his parents at the age of eight and settled in Wayne County, Ohio. In his youth he accepted Christ and the claims of the Gospel and became an ardent follower and disciple of his Lord. He moved to Flanagan as a young man where he married and lived for nine years. From here he moved to Wayland, Iowa, for three years and then came to Sterling in 1911, where he made his home until death.

He united with the Science Ridge Mennonite Church and was a faithful member. In serving Christ and the church he found great joy. He served as a Sunday School teacher for 55 years and his influence in the lives of his pupils is keenly marked. He was interested in missions and helped to organize the Illinois Mennonite Mission board of which he was a charter member, serving for 41 years.

Besides farming his business ability was used as a field man for the Rock River Production Credit Association of Dixon for 22 years. Here too he was able to be a worthy Christian witness.

The funeral services were held at Science Ridge Church on April 28 with J. Frederick Erb and Vernon Schertz officiating. Burial was made in the Science Ridge cemetery.