Jerry Lee Conrad, 81, of rural Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Monday, September 26, 2016 at St Patrick’s Church in Ottawa with Rev.Tony Fevlo officiating and Rev. Corey Krengiel for prayers. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, September 25, 2016 with prayers 12:45 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Matt Weber, Luke Weber, Ron Link, Kelly Magoonaugh, Jim Aussem, and Dave Barton. Honorary pallbearers will be George Johnson, George Mason, Tom Landers, John Casey and Jack Mitchell.
Jerry was born January 2, 1935 in Ottawa, Illinois to William and Beulah (McCullough). He married Evelyn (Eisert) on January 8, 1955. He attended St. Patrick’s grade school and was a 1953 graduate of Marquette High School.
Jerry wore many hats in his lifetime; he was a photographer, carpenter, plumber, cement finisher, neighborhood grocer, restaurant owner, home rehabber and contractor. Jerry loved his family; the Cubs, Bears and Bulls. He spent his retirement years keeping up and reporting on all of them.
He is survived by his wife; his sons, Steven (Sheila) and Robert; his daughter, Jane (Matt) Weber; one sister Patricia Pryde; his Grandchildren, Jenny (George) Gaworski, Ashley (Nate Sorensen) Conrad, Luke Weber and Melanie Ellzey; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Hammond, Hayer and Harper Lee Sorensen; Fiona, Georgie and baby G 3 arriving soon Gaworski.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his uncle, Ralph Conrad who raised him; his daughter, Joan; his son, Jeffrey; his sister, Betty Ocepek; and his brother, John (Jack).
Memorials may be directed to the St. Patrick’s sound system fund or mass intentions.
Jerry has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments.