Conrad Best

Conrad Charles Best II, 63, of Kankakee, formerly of Peoria, passed away at 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2009, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

As the year 1946 dawned America was adjusting to being a nation at peace at the end of WWII. Many American servicemen returned home to the families and lives they left behind, while industry was shifting to meet peacetime needs. The baby boom was underway. This was a year of celebration for Conrad Charles and Elnor Marie (Turnbull) Best as they welcomed the birth of their son, Conrad Charles II, on January 2nd. Conrad was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Before the family moved to Conrad Sr.’s hometown of Peoria, his first sister Kathleen was born.

When the family settled in Peoria, three more sisters, Eileen, Susan, and Ann, joined them. Conrad attended St. Mark’s Elementary School in West Peoria. He later graduated from the Spaulding Institute, a local Catholic High School, class of 1964.

Conrad was one of the young men who enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era beginning in 1966 until he was discharged in 1968. He was a decorated combat medic who was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star, the third highest military decoration, for heroic action above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Junction City.

After Conrad returned to civilian life, he was eager to move forward. While studying business administration at Illinois State University at Normal, he met his future wife, Ronda Raymond, in 1969. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in January 1972.

Ronda and Conrad were married at St. Mark Catholic Church in West Peoria on July 21, 1973. They were later blessed with the births of two children, Nora in 1980 and Conrad (Curt) in 1983. He worked to support his family at General Foods and a later at Bunge North America where he worked as a production supervisor.

Conrad was a man of great integrity, strength, and honor who lived a life he could be proud. He was a reserved man who worked hard, yet enjoyed his time off. Conrad fought for his country and was proud to serve. He was a family man who was able to share more than thirty-five years with his wife with whom he raised children, who will be his lasting legacy. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, golfing and loved the outdoors. He was a grill master and a beer connoisseur.

There was more to life for Conrad than just his work. In addition to spending time with his family he enjoyed many other things. Conrad loved the outdoors, especially deer hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was a grill master and a proud beer connoisseur! Conrad was a member of the Aroma Park American Legion where he served as the commander for two years and was currently serving as the chaplain. Just this year the American Legion 18th District recognized him as Chaplain of the Year.

Conrad was an extraordinary man who was loved and respected by many. He was an extremely intelligent, perceptive man who rarely lost his cool and was always down to earth. He was a man of great character and continually honorable whether with his family, friends or co-workers.

In August of 2008, Conrad was diagnosed with lung cancer. He fought a hard fight with a merciless disease. But as with other battles in the past, he fought with the same courage and dignity that won him the Silver Star thirty years prior.

Even though his friends and family will miss him dearly, they will treasure the many memories they share with their son, brother, father, and friend. Those memories will surely withstand the test of time.

Conrad is survived by his wife, Ronda, of Kankakee; daughter, Nora Kathleen R. Best of Chicago; son, Conrad Thomas R. Best of Kankakee; mother, Elnor Best of Peoria; sisters, Kathleen Laflen of South Carolina, Eileen (Mike) Buford of Kansas City, MO, Susan (John) Elliott of Peoria and Anne Wells of Bloomington; brothers-in-law, Jack (Maureen) Raymond of White Bear Lake, MN and Thomas (Kathie) Raymond of Hastings, MN.

He was preceded in death by his father, Conrad Charles Best, Sr.; daughter, Genvieve Raymond Best; mother and father-in-law, Jack and Nada Raymond; and brothers-in-law, Jerry Laflen and Michael Wells.

A service to celebrate Conrad’s life will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria, with Fr. Terry Cassidy officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., prior to services at the funeral home. Interment will be in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team.

Memorial contributions may be made in Conrad’s memory to the Aroma Park American Legion Post 1019 or to the American Lung Association.

Conrad’s Memorial Website and online condolences may be accessed at www.ClaryFunerals.com.

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