Arnold Spencer Conrad

Arnold Spencer Conrad was born August 9,1942 in Jersey City, NJ, the last child born to Christian and Karen Conrad. Arnie graduated from Trinity International University with Bachelor of Arts in History, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry degrees. During college and before receiving a call by God to enter seminary, Arnold worked for ServiceMaster Industries.

He married Sharon Leff in Holdrege, Nebraska on June 12,1965. Together with Sharon, they served six churches, Maple Ridge EFC (Braham, MN), Marshall EFC (Marshall, MN), Moorhead EFC (Moorhead, MN), Manassas EFC, (Manassas, VA), and Grace EFC (Davenport, IA). After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Arnie served as President and Chief operating officer of Interim Pastor Ministries for seven years. Upon second retirement, Arnie and Sharon moved to Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. Arnie served as part-time chaplain until 2019.

Arnold loved studying and teaching God’s Word, Biblical languages, history, sports, and playing the accordion. He had a love for people, regularly finding ways to get out of the office to be in the community by coaching his son and grandson, engaging in the Optimist Club, finding friends at local coffee shops, and meeting the neighbors in each city they lived.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Sharon; two children, Cynthia (John) Battin and Nathan (Kelsea) Conrad; seven grandchildren, Derek (McKinzie) Battin, Brooklynn Wallerich, Caity (Nick) Scott, Natalie (Jacob) Fopma, Amy Conrad, Lindsey Conrad, and Benjamin Conrad; three great grandchildren, Brayden Battin, Lilah Battin, and Damian Krajeski. He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and two sisters, Roy (Lee) Conrad, George (Renata) Conrad, Doris (Adolph) Berndt, Stanley (S. Joyce) Conrad, and Carol (Haywood) Midkiff.

Memorial Visitation Friday, May 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. until time of Memorial Service, 11:00 a.m. at First Free Church Rockford; 2223 N. Mulford Road; Rockford, Illinois 61107. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the First Free Church Rockford Missions Fund; to the above address or www.firstfreerockford.org/give or to Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center; 3470 N. Alpine Road; Rockford, Illinois 61114 or www.fairhaven.cc/giving, are appreciated.