Conrad Aschenbrenner

Conrad E Aschenbrenner passed away peacefully in his sleep on the evening of August 23rd, 2024 at Allure of Mount Carroll.

Conrad (Con) was born in Amboy Illinois to Eno and Caroline Aschenbrenner in 1928. He grew up working in his father’s pharmacy, which still allowed the private time to experience all the adventures a boy could dream of.

He learned to ride a horse, helping out at the Amboy Sale Barn, and taught himself to swim in the west quarry!

One extra special spring found him out on a two-week bicycle trek all the way to Lake Mills Wisconsin (118 miles). One memorable night was spent camping just south of Rockford where they were treated to church bells ringing and car horns both sounding celebration of VE Day (end of WW2 in Europe) all night long!

Con often said that “He had an adventurous childhood, and he wondered how his poor mother survived it all”.

After High School he attended Illinois State University, where in addition to his study, he became a member of the schools very first swim team. During his university summers he worked at YMCA camps teaching swimming (“My favorite job” he said).

Very soon after graduating university with his teaching degree, he was surprised with a “change of career” being thus drafted into the Army!

His new career found him soon in the 3rd Infantry Division, in another country, serving in Korea. Like many a combat veteran he did not talk much about his service, but he came home with the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Korean Service Medal (with 2 bronze stars, each star indicating participation in a campaign) and the title of Sergeant First Class.

Much more recently he was awarded the “Quilt of Valor” in recognition of his service.

After the Army, Conrad made Lanark his new home when he finally entered his career as an Industrial Arts teacher at Lanark High, soon marrying Caralee in 1955, becoming a husband, then a father the following year with the birth of daughter, Cara. A few years found him as a father for a second time, with the completion of the family by the arrival of Maggie.

For 50 years he and Caralee worked on their “old house” on the westside of town, fixed up a historic home for their Lanark Museum all the while painting houses, teaching, coaching, and getting in several fishing trips as far as Canada.

Conrad (“Coach” as many knew and called him) made a difference in the lives of generations of Lanark & “Eastland” kids through his teaching, and especially his coaching of football, “Pop Warner”, basketball (boys and girls), girls track, and in running summer recreation programs for youth.

“Coach Ash” said he especially liked working with the younger kids, “Because I like teaching the fundamentals and seeing their progress and confidence grow, from the beginning to the end of the season”. He loved every minute of his coaching time and taught MANY the value of hard work and fair play.

Conrad retired from teaching when Lanark consolidated only to return to “Eastland” for 10 more years when asked back to teach “Shop”.

Conrad loved raising his two girls, but he really liked having his two grandsons to take fishing and play ball with as well as cheer on from the sidelines during football and basketball games.

After retiring for the second time, he still continued to paint and repair houses, especially enjoying his time with his fellow painter and friend Leroy.

When his wife Caralee passed away, he gave up “other work” and kept busy going to games of his great grandsons, having meals at Brothers with Ed while catching up on the community activities and playing dominos with his “Domino Ladies” or anyone else he could find to play.

Conrad was fun-loving, generous and a kind Dad, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather who never said “no” to his family, or anyone else who needed help as long as he could.

Conrad’s family would like to thank his team of caregivers whose kindness, talents and love permitted him to be home as long as possible. Special thank you goes to Brenda, Darla, Linda, Ellen, Bev, Christie, Avery as well as the good many others who worked, visited, brought a meal, and made his smile in his final years.

Conrad was preceded in death by his parents, Eno and Caroline; sister, Carol; brother, Charles; wife, Caralee; daughter, Cara (Lonnie, living/ wife Cheryl).

He is survived by daughter, Maggie (Mark); grandson, Karl (Sarah) their children, Benjamen, Kamden, Hudson; grandson, John (Jessica) their children, Ronan and Ryan. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Annie; along with many nieces and nephews.

Services for Conrad Aschenbrenner will be September 14 at the First United Methodist Church in Lanark.

Visitation will be from 9:00am to 11:00am in the “Fireside” room with main services to immediately follow in the main chapel. A luncheon will be served in the dining room following the main service.

A small private graveside ceremony will be held at the Lanark Cemetery after the main service.

A memorial to Lanark’s Summer Youth Leagues has been established.