Don M. Conrad

It didn't matter much to Don Conrad what he was doing as long as he could enjoy the company of the family he loved and good friends by his side. More than anything, Don loved and lived for his children. He'd go out of his way for those in need, and was very protective of his family and closest friends. A man of dedication and devotion, Don will be sorely missed and forever remembered.

The dawn of the mid 1970s was a turning point in technological advances throughout the U.S. Whether in space, the introduction of VHS movie cassettes, or the ever popular Polaroid camera, nothing would come to compare to what the future held for the newly formed Apple Computer Company. During these times of advancement in the portal town of Portsmouth, Virginia along the Elizabeth River, Robert and Kathi (Greenburg) Conrad were anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new child in their lives. And on December 13, 1976, while his father was at work, stationed on a naval ship, Don decided to make his entry into the world. After a family friend drove his mother to the hospital, his parents joyfully celebrated the birth of their new son, welcoming him with open arms.

Young Don's family made their new home in the Martin and Plainwell areas of Michigan where he grew up with his sister, April. His father worked in the air conditioning trade before acquiring a job at Menasha Paper. He supported their family while Don's mother remained at home as a homemaker. As a child, Don loved his Lego's, and the Dukes of Hazard and the Hulk were his favorite heroes. He made friends easily, and from his earliest beginnings he could be quite comical as a very outgoing youngster. He attended the local schools and was a member of the Cub Scouts. When it came to his favorite foods, Don loved his mother's cauliflower and cheese sauce, and throughout his life he continued to love homemade ham and Swiss sandwiches frozen and then baked to perfection.

Don shared a special bond with his great-grandmother whom he affectionately referred to as his "different grandma". He was also very close to his father. Together, you would often find them hunting, fishing or building beautiful furniture together in his father's in-home workshop. When his father sadly died when Don was 14 years old, it was no less a very difficult time for Don and his family. He always struggled with the death of his father, and never quite recovered. An impressionable young man, it was during these formative years in Don's young life when he truly needed him most.

During high school, Don played on the football team, ran track, and played trumpet in the school band. As always, his fun-loving and outgoing nature made him a friend to many. At one point, however, he decided to leave his schooling behind and joined the U.S. Army Reserve. He went through basic training and completed his stint before being honorably discharged. He then went on to earn his GED from Otsego High School.

Before long, Don met Terri, a close childhood friend,and after dating a short time, the two were married in 1994. Young and in love, their marriage sadly ended, but Terri as well as her brother Brad, remained a special part of Don's family.

Don's greatest joy was becoming a father to his boys, Dylan and Davis, and took every opportunity to spend time with them. Don worked in the construction trade for several years as he was fond of using his hands. He was very handy and was called upon a time or two for his skill in this area. More recently, Don took great pride in learning the welding trade. Don would go out of his way to help someone out, and never thought twice about it. His easy going demeanor and willingness to lend a hand was one of his greatest qualities. And even if he might have felt otherwise, Don never spoke an ill word against anyone.

Not many people get second chances at love, but Don and Heather Jordan took the chance and their love blossomed. Having dated Heather when he was 13, she was one of his closest childhood friends. In 2012, the two once again became a couple and celebrated the 2013 New Year by becoming engaged. As soon as Don could get things in order, they planned on getting married and dreamed of a future with Don's sons, Dylan and Davis and Heather's children Gavyn and Christian. He literally lived for the kids and had many hopes and dreams planned ahead of them. They all loved renting movies, and memorable times were also shared playing dodge ball and football with the kids. Don also loved watching NASCAR with Heather. His favorite driver was Kasey Kayne.

One of the many things everyone loved about Don was his uncanny humor and goofy side. He loved making others laugh, especially the boys when he'd act like a monkey, and his rendition of even picking make-believe bugs off of himself! He knew how to have a good time and enjoyed the good things life had to offer. He was a big animal lover, and had two cats named Harvick and Pinky. Don playfully called Harvick, "Dude" . . . and boy could those cats make him smile!

On the brink of new beginnings, Don M. Conrad, at the age of 36, sadly died at home in his sleep on Sunday, January 6, 2013. Although mere words can only describe the wonderful man and friend he was to many, may the memory of him keep him close in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Don’s family includes his children: Dylan and Davis; his mother, Kathi; his sister April (Anthony) Bender; Grandmothers: Cora Lee Greenburg and Evelyn Williams; niece and nephew, Chloe and Brody; his fiancée, Heather and those he considered family: Christian, Gavyn, and Logan. Visit with Don's family and friends and view his life story film on Friday, January 11, 2013, 1:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home-Plainwell, 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral to celebrate his life will follow at 2:00 PM at the same location. Please visit Don's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory, photo, and sign his memory book online before coming to funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to a scholarship fund being set up for his children.