Obituary of Dale D Conrad

In Memoriam: Dale D. Conrad, April 3, 1937 – September 17, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dale Conrad, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and amazing aerospace engineer. He was quite a tenacious fighter, as he survived 30 years after colon cancer but ultimately succumbed to Parkinson’s Disease.  Dale's journey through life, which began on April 3, 1937, came to a peaceful conclusion on September 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born in Corydon, Indiana to John Conrad and Ellen Conrad. From a young age, he exhibited a remarkable sense of curiosity and a natural gift for mathematics.  He was the first in his family to go to college.  At Purdue University he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. He made major contributions in Aerospace programs like Apollo, Gemini, the Saturn Rocket, Sky Lab, and numerous satellites, including Global Positioning System (“GPS”).

A dedicated family man, Dale was a loving husband to his devoted wife, Anita Conrad, for 60 years. Together, they built a warm and nurturing home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Dale was a role model for his children, Kim Rolfes, Teresa Camp, Cheryl Conrad, and Steve Conrad, instilling in them values of family, hard work, adventure, and integrity that have continued to shape their lives.  Dale was a beloved “Grandpa” to his grandchildren: Conrad Wentzel, Diana Martinez, Kaylee Grisom, Ely Greenstein, Stephanie Conrad and Jason Conrad.  His memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.

In addition to his commitment to family, Dale enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests, including traveling, bowling, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and playing BINGO.  For many years Dale was an active and respected member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Huntington Beach, California, serving as an Elder and nurturing lifelong friendships, just like family. His unwavering dedication to his family and friends enriched the lives of many and left a lasting impact.

A memorial service to celebrate Dale's life will be held in the Spring of 2024, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to https://www.parkinson.org/ to help advance aggressive research to find a cure for Parkinsons’ Disease.

As we bid farewell to Dale D. Conrad, let us remember his enduring spirit, unwavering loyalty, and boundless love. His legacy will continue to shine brightly through the lives he touched and the memories he created. Though he may be gone from our sight, he will forever remain in our hearts.