Obituary of Ilse Alvina Paulina Conrad

Our dear mother, Ilse Conrad passed peacefully, at Grand River Hospital, into eternal life on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 in her 96^th year, after a brief illness.  She was the beloved wife of the late Pastor Arnold Conrad for 61 years, dear mother of Sharon Schoenhals (John), David (deceased), Peter (Doreen) and John (Barb), also loving grandmother of Pastor Mark Schoenhals (Emily) of Peoria, Illinois,  Kristen Schoenhals (Blaine Coombs) of Ottawa, and Timothy Schoenhals (Mary Murray) of Vancouver, a cherished great-grandmother of Nathanael of Ottawa, Abigail, Julia and Natalie of Peoria. She will be greatly missed by her sisters, Frieda Pennie (George) of Burlington, Rosemarie McDonald (Rev. John) of Oscoda, Michigan, and Margaret Fischer (Rev. Paul) of Waterloo and brother-in-law, Rev. Arthur F. Conrad of Ottawa (Genowefy-deceased) and by many nieces and nephews.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Pastor and Mrs. H. R Mosig, parents-in- law, Frank and Minnie Conrad, sister Gertrude  Cochrane (Joe) and  sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Margaret Fritze (Rev. Carroll), Phyllis Proudfoot (Fred) Alice Stalker (Robert)  and Jean Smith (Gerald).

She graduated from New Hamburg Continuation School in 1939 and Waterloo College in 1942 where she met her future husband Arnold Conrad. She taught at Wellesley Public School for 1 year and married on June 29, 1943. They served parishes together in New Dundee, Ontario, Rose Bay, Nova Scotia, and then at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waterloo for 34 years.

During their ministry in Waterloo, she was an active member; singing in choirs, teaching Vacation Church School, helping on the altar guild, and participating in the L.C.W. and W.M.S.  She worked on the Retreat Committee and the Faith and Life Committee, was Circle Leader for E.L.W, and with excellent help she coordinated the monthly meetings of the Senior Members Fellowship. She also played the organ for the monthly Estonian and German Services.

At the synodical level, she served as Treasurer of L.C.W. and as a delegate to two conventions in Minneapolis and Philadelphia.  

For many years in the community, Ilse volunteered with Waterloo Meals on Wheels, the Development Centre of Waterloo for the mentally challenged and at the Community Information Centre. 

The family thanks the nurses and PSW staff at Sunshine Centre, Luther Village and the nursing staff on Six North, Grand River Hospital for their compassionate care.

Friends are invited to share memories of Ilse with her family during visitation at the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S. Waterloo on Monday, August 6, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 22 Willow St., Waterloo on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Fred Ludolph officiating and followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall, then interment at Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo.

For those wishing to make a charitable donation to Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) or charity of choice may do so through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.