August Francis Conrad, Jr.

August Francis Conrad, Jr., the son of August, Sr. and Marie Jensen Conrad, was born July 1, 1918 at his parent’s home in Hamlin Township, Audubon County, Iowa and died January 23, 2012 at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls, Iowa at the age of 93 years, 6 months, and 22 days. August was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, Iowa. He attended rural school “Hamlin #4” in Hamlin Township, Audubon County. After finishing school, he was employed as a hired hand for the neighbors where he made $.50 a day. After several years he received a $.50 raise and was making $1.00 a day and thought he was going to be rich. August worked as a hired man until he was married. On January 16, 1940, he was united in marriage to Hazel Elizabeth Newell at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon. One son, James, was born to this union. They moved onto the family farm west of Hamlin which was settled by his great grandfather back in 1879. August was very proud to operate their Century Farm. They grew row crops, had livestock, milked cows and raised chickens and hogs. They farmed for many years until they retired, but continued to live on the farm until August when he moved to the Friendship Home in July of 2007. Hazel died June 19, 2009, and August moved to the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls, Iowa in November of 2009 to be closer to his son James. August was a life long member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed playing pitch and pinochle with his friends. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid reader especially reading paperback westerns and mystery novels. He was happiest when he was on his John Deere tractors working the land. He loved to visit with family and friends and no one was a stranger to him. August had a sweet tooth and loved to drink pepsi. His favorite meal was a T-bone steak and french fries finishing off with a slice of banana cream pie. August was preceded in death by his wife Hazel E. Conrad; his parents; his brothers and sister: Arthur Conrad, Thomas Conrad, and Rose Marie and husband Ralph Denmark. Survivors include his son James and wife Judy Conrad of Iowa Falls, Iowa; his grandsons: Dr. Corey and wife Colleen Conrad and their daughters Camryn and Carley all of West Des Moines, Iowa; Brock and wife Cara Conrad of Chicago, Illinois; his sisters-in-law: Helen Hall of Hemet, California; Marvel Newell of Jefferson, Iowa; Lois Newell of Bentonville, Arkansas; and Georgia Conrad of Racine, Wisconsin; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends Friday evening at 6:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon.

Service:
The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 10:30 A.M. at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, Iowa.