Roger W. Conrad, Sr.

Roger W. Conrad, Sr., age 76, of Ottawa, passed away May 9, 2024 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa surrounded by his loving family.

Roger was born April 21, 1948 in Ottawa, Illinois to Russell and Hazel (Housby) Conrad. He attended LaSalle-Peru High School and furthered his education while serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1994. He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. Roger retired from the military as a Technical Sergeant (E-6) He worked and retired as a metal fabricator at Illinois Valley Millwright currently known as Machinery Maintenance, Inc. Roger was a "Jack of all trades" and could build or work on anything.

Leisure time would find him fishing, camping, hunting and just enjoying the outdoors. Roger dearly loved his family and will be deeply missed. He married Marie A. Ernat July 22, 1967. Roger is survived by Marie, his wife of 57 years; children, Roger (Jill) Conrad, Jr., Rachel (John) Flashing, Chad (Carrie) Conrad and Debra Conrad. He also leaves nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his mother, four brothers and one sister. Roger was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial services open to the public will be held 9:30 A.M. Friday, May 24th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Military honors and entombment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at Elwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to any organization of the donor's choice that assists U.S. Veterans. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.