“A caring teacher touches the hearts of many” Homewood teacher Ida K. Conrad suddenly passed away Tuesday November 6th, 2018. It is often said, “For a teacher to live forever in the heart and memory of even a single child is the best tribute of all”. At Ms. Conrad’s funeral a card was read from one of her past students saying “you are a wonderful teacher and will never be forgotten”.
For 37 years, Ida Conrad taught over 1000 students in the Homewood Public School District 153, mostly in the fifth grade level at the Winston Churchill School. Past students have said of Ms. Conrad that she was voted their favorite teacher and that they even learned something in her class. Also, said of Ms. Conrad that she always made time to help students learn and “went above and beyond to present educational concepts to students in the students’ own learning style.
From one of her students—“you were an awesome teacher”. Thank you. “You had just the right mix of blackboard chatter and written challenges”.
From another student, I am so glad that Ms. Conrad taught me in my elementary education. “I believe I have more confidence because of you”. Fellow teachers commented—“I have seen first hand the love and the caring Ms. Conrad bestowed on her students throughout the years”.
The building custodian remembers Ms. Conrad fondly and he saw her work late into the evening preparing for the next class day. This comment was shared of Ida that she was a wonderful person and had a lot to give to others whether the need was a student or a fellow faculty member. Another teacher summarized Ida’s life this way, “Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts” and you are one of those special people”.
Ida was born January 11, 1947 and was raised in Homewood, Illinois. She moved to Joliet in 1981 and has remained there for 37 years. Ida graduated from Homewood – Flossmoor High School in 1965.
She graduated from Illinois State University with BS degree in Elementary education in 1969 and 2 masters’ degrees in Education (71) and Administration (76). Ida is survived by her brother Kenneth S. (Diane), sister Cathy (James) Mall. Ida took special pride in her nieces and nephews- Andrea (Joshua), Kimberly, Christine, Jennifer, Benjamin (Olivia) and grandniece Quinn and grandnephew Wyatt and two more babies on the way.
Ida was preceded in death by her father Kenneth, and her mother Ruth. Family and friends were welcomed at Blackburn, Giegerich, Sonntag Funeral Home Joliet, Illinois on Tuesday November 13, 2018. The officiate for Ida’s memorial was Pastor Fritz Bartels.
Burial immediately followed at Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet, Illinois. The family asks that donations be made to the Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, Homewood, Illinois 60430 with an envelope notation -Attention Marilyn Novak.
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