Arlen Conrad

Arlen Conrad, age 70, of Milbank, died Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at his home.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 12, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Milbank with Rev. Dr. DeVern Schwann officiating.

Burial will follow in the Milbank City Cemetery, with full military honors. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 11, at Mundwiler Funeral Home and will continue on Friday for one hour prior to the time of service at the church.

Casket bearers will be Gene Vostad, Preston Fischer, Harvey Schafer, Mike Mach, Paul Conrad and Ryan Conrad.

Arlen Arthur Conrad was born on January 27, 1946, in Milbank, SD, to Arthur and Mildred (Anderson) Conrad. He was raised in Milbank and remained there his entire life. Arlen graduated from the Milbank High School with the class of 1964. He was an accomplished athlete and singer during his years at MHS. He had many stories to share of his time under the direction of Coach Greeno.

Following high school in April 1965, Arlen enlisted into the Army National Guard serving with the 740th Transportation Company. He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in July 1971 and served as Company Commander from April 1981 until October 1984. Arlen retired as a Captain in November 1985.

On June 4, 1967, Arlen was united in marriage with Cheryl Ammann in Wilmot, SD. This union was blessed with three children and 49 years of marriage.

Arlen was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Milbank and volunteered with the Milbank Fire Department. He worked as a salesman and installed floor coverings for Torness Furniture, Emanuel Furniture, Zem’s and Hanson Furniture.

Arlen was an avid outdoorsman. He spent many early mornings hunting waterfowl, loved shore fishing for Northern and looked forward to his annual deer hunting trip. For many years he enjoyed his weekly bowling league night.

Arlen was an exceptional cook. He spent many hours in the kitchen and watching Food Network. His household was a gathering place and he always enjoyed hosting a houseful of kids for BBQ’s and homemade french fries.

He loved following his kids in their sporting events. He hauled suburbans full of cheerleaders to many out of town events and can be remembered as being the loudest fan in the crowd. One of his greatest joys was having all six of his grandkids live in Milbank.

Left to cherish Arlen’s memory is his wife, Cheryl Conrad of Milbank, SD; children: Sara (Brad) Snaza of Milbank, SD; Amy (Chad) Thue of Milbank, SD; Chris Conrad (fiance Laura Hallauer) of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren: Jalen, Abigail and Isaac Snaza and Taylor, Madelyn and Nadia Thue of Milbank, SD; sisters-in-law: Beth (Tim) Smart of Milbank, SD; Linda Conrad of Milbank, SD; Muriel (Neil) Bien of Veblen, SD; Janet (David) Osborn of Lead, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Arlen is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Arvin and Darwin Conrad.