Gary Lee Conrad

Gary Lee Conrad, 74, passed away at Sister James Nursing Home, Yankton, SD on Friday, December 1, 2023.

At the family's request there will be a private memorial service at a later date.
Friends and loved ones that knew Gary are asked to visit a professional baseball game when you are able. When you hear the song, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" Gary Lee will be there. Please think of him and smile.

Gary was the fourth child of Earl and Irene Conrad of Scotland, South Dakota. He was born on October 13, 1949, and baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on November 20, 1949.

Gary's childhood, to the age of five, had all the milestones of growing up happy and healthy. He loved and learned nursery rhymes and all the fun songs of childhood. On July 17, 1954, Gary suddenly fell ill with what appeared to be the flu but became much more serious as he developed a high fever and a severe seizure disorder and paralysis. By the age of 9, Gary began receiving required professional round the clock care for his medical condition. He lived in Redfield, SD for years until transferred to SESDAC in Vermillion where he received the most amazing and thoughtful assistance from his caretakers. In March 2021, after a medical event requiring more specialized care, Gary transferred to Sister James Nursing Home in Yankton, where he received wonderful care.

Gary enjoyed life by attending professional baseball games in Minneapolis. He loved the TWINS. He enjoyed his interactions with friends and family and especially his outings going to church, going fishing, having coffee at Hy-Vee and ice cream at the Dairy Queen. He especially loved to sing all the songs he had learned as a child and would entertain the staff with his mischievous smile and antics.

Gary is survived by his three sisters, Joyce Stewart, Sacramento, California, Darlene Nagel, Avon, SD, and Cheryl (Rod) Warneke of Yankton and his nieces and nephew.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Earl (2007) and Irene (2019) Conrad; his brother, Wayne (2019) Denver, Colorado and his brothers-in-law, Bob Stewart (2002) and James Nagel (2023).