Irene (Beatrice) Conrad

Beatrice Irene Conrad, age 92, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Santa Barbara, CA.

Beatrice Irene Conrad was born January 6, 1933, in Dodge Center, MN to Marvin and Charlotte (Langworthy) Lindahl.  She grew up the only girl between two brothers, Robert (Bob), her older brother and Merwin, her younger brother.  As a toddler Merwin was unable to say "Beatrice," he called her "Reenie."  So she went by Irene after that and continued to do so for the rest of her life.

Irene met her future husband at the age of 16 in 1949.  Then, on August 19, 1950, she married Devon Conrad in her parents' home.  They joyfully celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2020.

Irene postponed her desire to become a nurse many years in order to raise her three children.  But she did work during that time as a nurse's aide on the night shift at the Rochester State Hospital to satisfy her desire for service until Devon's job transferred the family to California in 1963.  Irene eventually did get her nursing degree in 1970 and worked at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA as an Intensive Coronary Care nurse for 25 years giving her great satisfaction.  In those years she also developed a china painting hobby and, along with her husband, a love of extensive international and domestic travel.

In 1988, Irene and Devon relocated to a senior living community in Whitewater, WI where they resided for 22 years.  In 2020, they moved back to California to live with their son and daughter-in-law, cherishing her time close to family again.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Arlys Lindahl; oldest daughter, Karna Williams and husband Scott, daughter, Bonnie Messina and husband Ron, son, Mark Conrad and wife Ronni; four grandchildren, Deonne Williams, Dr. Christopher Williams, Steven Conrad and Holly Conrad; six great-grandchildren, Felix, Gage, Noelle, Alexander, Benjamin and Alexis; and many nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband; her two brothers, Bob Lindahl and his wife Lois, and Merwin Lindahl; two brothers-in-law, Lyle Conrad and wife Mary, Lotus Conrad and wife Jackie; and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Thibodeau.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Seventh Day Baptist Church, 203 E Main St in Dodge Center, MN with Pastors Dale Rood and Frank Bernau officiating.  Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Czaplewski Funeral Homes, 25 South St SW in Dodge Center, MN and one hour prior the service at the church.  Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, MN.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit http://www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com.  Czaplewski Funeral Homes, 25 South Street, Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507)374-2155.  Blessed be her memory.