Shirley Conraads

Shirley Conraads, 93, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Central Church in Milbank. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will close with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Milbank City Cemetery.

Shirley Lotus Conraads was born on March 9, 1933, in Sioux Falls, SD. She was the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Welte) Reiners and the firstborn of ten children. She attended rural school and graduated from Milbank High School in 1951. Shirley attended two years of college and then taught in a country school for three years.

Shirley then met the “love of her life,” Alvin Conraads. They were married in 1953 after a season of separation when Alvin was deployed to the Korean War. They settled on a family farm in Twin Brooks Township. They were blessed with four children. They were married for 52 years until God called Alvin home on December 31, 2005. Shirley later enjoyed the friendship of Francis Van Sambeek for several years until God called him home on July 21, 2023.

Shirley served as a librarian for the Grant County Library as well as the Milbank Middle School. She loved her middle school students and made reading fun for so many through creative and motivational activities. Shirley’s talents and hobbies included playing the organ and piano, bowling, sewing, reading, and crocheting, always with a drive for excellence.

Shirley loved her church and was involved in leadership over the years. Despite many physical setbacks throughout her elderly years, she continued to attend and generously give until the age of 93.

Above all else, Shirley’s greatest love truly was her four children, 13 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren! Her legacy of love for Jesus, love of learning, and love for others has and will continue to carry on through the stories of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her sacrificial kindness and compassion will not be forgotten by neighbors, friends, and family.

Left to cherish her memory are one son, Timothy Conraads and wife, Deb of Aberdeen, SD; three daughters: Yvonne and husband, Pastor Greg Loy of Rochester, MN; Barbara and husband, Dr. Ward Fredrickson of Bismarck, ND; and Anita and husband, Pastor Kevin Lardy of Sheldon, IA.; her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters: Margie Bohn of Milbank, SD; Phyllis Boerger of Peoria, IL; Janet Schulte of Milbank, SD; Judie Hendry and husband, Doug of Placidas, NM; Jackie Mangnall and husband, Rick of Rapid City, SD; and one brother, David Reiners and wife, Ginger of Sioux Falls, SD. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Conraads; special friend, Francis Van Sambeek; parents: Henry and Elizabeth Reiners; grandson, Christopher Conraads; brothers: Stan Reiners and Tom Reiners; sister, Ruth Howard; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Her memory and godly heritage that she left behind will be remembered and cherished by many.