Conrad L. Schaefer

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else, it would have to be Conrad L. Schaefer. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed.

Conrad was born on January 3, 1905 at home in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Elizabeth Walsh and Conrad Schaefer, who raised him on the south side of Chicago. He had one brother, William Schaefer. After the death of both parents by the age of 5, Conrad was raised by his grandmother and started working at the age of 13 to help support her.

As a young boy, Conrad had a number of interests. Conrad took part in boxing, stick ball, ran races and was a member of the Hardin Square Park District Youth Club. His memorable achievements included 1st place ribbons for running races and winning one boxing match.

Conrad was a faithful and loving person. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around him. He cared for what others thought, and carried that into his marriage to Milly Genovese on November 29, 1924 at City Hall in Chicago, Illinois. Compassionate and devoted, Conrad worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Conrad, and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. He was blessed with two children, Dorothy and Geraldine. They blessed him with five grandchildren, Terry, Scott, Corrine, Douglas, and Curtis. Conrad was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. His secret of success in this area was simple: Listen before you act.

His primary occupation was an electrician for the Illinois Central Railroad, where he worked for 47 years. Taking work seriously came naturally to Conrad, and he expected the same from those around him. He was a devoted employee who was realistic about keeping rigid schedules and fastidious about details. He cooperated with others and brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his coworkers.

He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his ability to tell a great story. Since it was easy for Conrad to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. He had a gift for remembering dates, addresses and peoples’ names and loved to tell historical happenings in Chicago, which he had sometimes witnessed.

A methodical man, Conrad enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He constantly made home repairs had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts.

Not only did Conrad enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. His favorite vacation was a train trip to California.

Conrad was a lover of animals. He had “Toots”, a mutt; his daughter’s dog, “Robbie”, a Sheltie; and “Hans”, a Daschund.

Since he was practical and cost effective, Conrad was ready in 1970 when that day came to retire. Even then, he found new pleasure in the Senior Club. Even in retirement, he stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He also loved word puzzles was an avid reader.

Conrad lived independently, even at the age of 104 years. He passed away only 3 weeks from what would have been his 105th birthday. He is survived by two daughters, Dorothy (Harold) Gifford and Geraldine Stevens (Tony Gross); five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Avenue, Lisle, Illinois (on Rt. 53, 1/2 mile south of Ogden Ave./ Rt. 34). Following the funeral service, Conrad will be laid to rest in Lisle Cemetery.

In memory of Conrad, memorials may be made to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, 600 Industrial Drive, St. Charles, Illinois 60174.

All whose lives he touched will miss Conrad L. Schaefer.