Gladys Conrad

Danville- Gladys (Koester) Conrad, 97, joined her heavenly family on Friday, April 11, 2014. Mrs. Conrad was born November 19, 1916 in rural Avoca, Nebraska, the daughter of Fred and Emma Berner. She was baptized and confirmed at the North Branch Lutheran Church, Avoca, Nebraska and married Arthur Koester on August 26, 1936 at the same North Branch Lutheran Church. Gladys and Art had two daughters, Arlene Finley of Tilton, IL and Diane (Gary Higgs) Price of Mahomet, IL. Art preceded her in death in January, 1967 in Cissna Park, IL. She married Theodore Conrad in November, 1969 and they lived in Watseka, IL until his death in August, 1984. Survivors include her two daughters, Arlene and Diane; 7 grandchildren - Pat (Bruce Hunt) Douglas, Tammi (Mike) Moore, Jack (Kelly) Clifton, Sherri Sumner, Brad Higgs, Dawn (Jim) Ohl, and David Finley. 15 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Dean (Norma) Berner of Unadilla, NE and one sister, Ruth (Frank) Schoen of Oxford, NE as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Gladys was also preceded in death by both parents; two brothers, Henry and Bill Berner; and three sisters, Viola Koester, Clara Rietsch and Mary Knake, and one granddaughter, Cindy Clifton. Gladys was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Danville, IL. She was an active participant in her church and was always there to lend a hand for cleaning, making quilts, making food or other projects for the church. Gladys was a partner with her husband, Art, in farming during their married life. Later in life she held various jobs outside the home. Gladys was a wonderful cook and received much pleasure in providing great meals for her friends and family. Besides cooking, she loved gardening, playing cards and especially spending time with her family and thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren, her great and great-great grandchildren. She took much happiness in the simple pleasures of life and loved watching birds, butterflies, animals and other joys that nature provided and kept herself busy with quilting and needlework. Gladys was a Christian woman who lived her life as an example of her love for the Lord and her family. She will be remembered as a great mom, grandma, great & great-great grandma, sister, aunt and friend. A celebration of Gladys life will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 1:00 PM at Bethel Lutheran Church with Pastor Ed Stone officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will take place at GAR Cemetery in Watseka, IL. Memorial donations may be made in Galdys' name to Bethel Lutheran Church or the Donor's Choice. Please join Gladys family in sharing photos, videos, and memories of her through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com