Conrad Woodard
July 04, 2008
Conrad J. Woodard, 63, of Carlisle, Iowa, died Friday, July 4 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Conrad was born in Leon, IA on June 30, 1945 to Luther and Maxine Woodard. He graduated from Grand Valley High School in Kellerton, IA in 1963. Conrad and Donna were united in marriage on May 8, 1964. They shared a strong and loving marriage of 44 years, recently celebrating their anniversary.
Conrad was a dedicated employee of 40 years for the Banker’s Life/Principal Financial Group working and managing their printing operations. After retiring from Principal in 2003, he began a successful career in real estate, working out of the Prudential First Realty office in Pleasant Hill, IA.
Conrad loved the Lord and was actively involved in his church, Berean Assembly of God in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Over the years, Conrad was an active member of the church board, taught Sunday School and led Royal Rangers. Conrad enjoyed golfing, fishing and traveling with his wife, Donna. He was a loving and faithful family man who was a pillar of strength and a wonderful example to his children and grandchildren.
Conrad will be greatly missed and is survived by his wife Donna of Carlisle, IA, their children; Greg (Vicki) Woodard of Vadnais Heights, MN, Jeff (Sara) Woodard of Des Moines, IA, and Gloria (Pat) Smith of Carlisle, grandchildren; Liahna and David Woodard, Amanda Thompson and Marissa Woodard, and Austin, Andrew, and Aidan Smith, his brother Carroll (Darlene) Woodard of Decatur, IA, sister-in-law Nancy Woodard of Lacona, IA and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.
Conrad was preceded in death by his father Luther, his mother Maxine, his brother Eugene Woodard, and grandson Jeffrey M. Woodard.
Conrad’s family and friends will celebrate his life and pay tribute to him on Thursday, July 10, 2008, 10:00 am, at Berean Assembly of God Church, 5225 University Ave, Hwy 163, Pleasant Hill. Burial will follow at 2:30 at Decatur Cemetery in Decatur, IA. The visitation will be Wednesday at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St, from 5-8 pm.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Berean Assembly of God Church.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Michele (Greubel) Ramsey
07/10/2008
Donna, Gloria, and family: I was saddened to learn today of Conrad's passing. Your family was always very gracious to me during my high school days with Gloria, and I'll never forget those times.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Steve and Brenda Beeman
07/09/2008
Dear Donna:
I just want you to know how much I am praying for you. I was so shocked to hear about Conrad. You have my support and prayers. You may not feel like it but you are a strong person Donna and the Lord will pour out His ever abundant grace upon you and your family. Remember it is His strength through you. He has been faithful in the past and will continue to do it again. He loves you so much and is walking the road before you. Cling to Him. I love you sooooo very much and will not forget to give attention to you and your family in my prayers.
Your sister in the Lord,
Brenda
Janet (Houghton) Rowe
07/09/2008
Donna,
You and Conrad have been part of my life since our days together in Berean many years ago. I remember the Sunday afternoon's that our little group of friends spent together at each other's homes for dinner- before any of us were married. And then attending each other's showers and weddings.
It is hard to believe that Conrad has gone home to be with the Lord. I know that you will miss him very much. But I share with you a piece of advice that my mom gave to me and it has proven to be invaluable. "Hold your head up and walk into the grief - don't avoid it." God's grace is sufficient for this difficult season and you will find strength and comfort in the "shadow of His wings."
"For when David [Conrad] had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep . . " Acts 13:36.
Take care my friend,
Janet
Maureen Backstrom
07/08/2008
Donna,
We had a great time meeting you and Conrad on the Branson trip last year. Dave and I send our sincere condolences.
Jebadiah Smith
07/08/2008
Dean Greg sorry to hear about your dad sounds like he was a great man. We miss you dean and we are praying for your family.
Jim Sissel
07/08/2008
Donna and family,
It is difficult for me to put to words my feelings at this time, to realize people our age are approaching the end of our lives.
When we graduated in 1963 I'm sure none of use even considered death or old age. We were here forever. Forty five years later I know better.
Someone has left that while not a close acquaintance, was certainly a part of my fabric. Now that fabric has a hole in it. It will never be the same.
While I'm certain where we go next is better, I'm selfish enough to not want to give up my friends.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. I know this is a difficult time.
Jim Sissel
Diane Goodson
07/08/2008
As a former colleague of Conrads at Principal, I was distressed to hear about his sudden passing. My memories of Conrad include the happiness on his face when he discussed his family, golf and his favorite vacation places. I offer my prayers and best wishes to his family. I'm sure he will be missed.
Julie (Connett) Gates
07/08/2008
Dear Donna and family -- We are very sorry to hear of your loss, but grateful to know Conrad is in his heavenly home even now. I know you'll miss him terribly. Much love -- Julie, Tim and Wesley Gates, San Saba, TX
Larry & Aleen Albers
07/07/2008
Dear Donna and family
We are so sorry and shocked to hear of Conrad's passing. Even though through the years our lives have taken different turns and events, your family has meant alot to us.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can be of any assistance with anything, please let us know.
Love
Larry and Aleen
Dave & Miriam Finlayson
07/05/2008
Conrad and Donna Woodard have been lifelong friends since our early days at Berean Assembly where we were newly married couples in 1962-63. Our kids were born and played together until we moved to AZ in 1968 but we have maintained our friendships to this day. We are truly saddened by Conrad's sudden departure from this life, yet we have joy for his him glorious entrance into the kingdom of God for all eternity. Our hearts go out to Donna and family.
No one says it better that the Prophet Isaiah did over 1300 years ago:
"Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die." Isaiah 57:1-2. NLT
Lowell & Sue Fry
07/05/2008
We are deeply saddened to hear of Connie's passing. While we moved away from Des Moines nearly 40 years ago we have not forgotten the friendship we had with Connie and Donna. Of course, Sue's friendship started many years ago at Grand Valley High School in Kellerton, IA. Lowell remembers Connie and his brothers at the Grand River Church. Later we were all friends at Berean Assembly of God.
"In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us". Romans 8:37
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lowell & Sue Fry
Grenada, MS