Irene E. Conrad

Irene Conrad was born on November 2, 1919 to Ed and Martha (Schneider) Jerke. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Scotland and remained a lifelong member. Following her graduation from Scotland High School, she was united in marriage to Earl Conrad on June 8, 1939. Together they made their home on a farm west of Scotland. Irene worked alongside Earl in all aspects of their farming life, and was proficient in cooking, baking, sewing, and quilting. She also maintained a large garden from which she canned and froze produce for her family of five. For 25 years, Irene also worked part time for the Kaylor Locker. Following Earl's retirement from farming in 1974, the couple moved into Scotland and built themselves a new home in town 4 years later.
In retirement, Irene loved making many trips to see her children, having coffee with friends in Scotland, and tending her flowers. She also enjoyed quilting, embroidery work, and crossword puzzles. Irene also kept a diary and shared many wonderful stories with her daughters. In 2005, they moved into Yankton Sunrise Apartments.
After Earl's passing, Irene moved into the Springfield Assisted Living Center
and called it home for 8 years. While in Springfield, she became an avid reader and reviewed many of the books she read. She also discovered an artistic talent in coloring and enjoyed the many activities at the Center.
In September 2018, she became a resident at the Good Samaritan Society of Tyndall and it is there she passed away on Friday, July 19, 2019. Irene's sense of humor and willingness to accept the many challenges in her life helped her attain the age of 99 years, 8 months, and 17 days.
She is survived and remembered by her children: Joyce Stewart of Roseville, CA, Wayne Conrad of Denver, CO, Darlene (Jim) Nagel of Avon, SD, Gary Conrad of Vermillion, SD, and Cheryl (Rod) Warneke of Yankton, SD;grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Esther Conrad and Ruth Jerke; and faithful friend, Dorothy Acklam.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Daryl Jerke, sister Esther Stocker, grandson Kevin Christopherson, 4 brothers-in-law, 2 sisters-in-law.
This obituary was written in loving memory by the family.

30 minutes prior to the funeral service