Willard Bill Conrath

1923 - 2012

Willard Conrath

Willard "Bill" "Sheik" Conrath, 88, a lifelong resident of Belleville, Ill., passed away on May 20, 2012, of natural causes. He had been in relatively good health.

Willard was born on Nov. 20, 1923, the first son of John G. Conrath, at the time, assistant postmaster, and Helen A., nee Rudolph, Conrath. His older neighborhood friends pinned the lifelong nickname, "Sheik," on him at the age of seven after his mother combed his hair back in the style of Rudolph Valentino, who starred in the movie of the same name. Sheik was known at St. Teresa's School for his classroom antics and also for his love of sports.

He lost his father at the age of 13 while attending Cathedral High School, now known as Althoff. While Helen held the family of four together, Willard worked two jobs after school and on weekends to contribute to the welfare of his mother and three younger siblings. His love of sports continued, and he excelled on the high school basketball and football teams. He was guided by the Christian values of his mother and his Catholic upbringing at school.

After graduation in 1941, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was trained as a gunner on the B-17 and B-29 Bombers. Willard served in Amarillo, Texas, in Tucson, Ariz., and in northern New York. His flight crew was on orders to deploy overseas when the war ended. During his military years, Willard wrote home every day and went to church several times a week.

Upon returning home, Bill and his brother John started their building business, which became known as Conrath Brothers Builders and Developers, a partnership that lasted more than fifty years. Among other endeavors, the Conrath Brothers were responsible for developing much of Chenot Place Subdivision.

Many will remember Willard for his prowess as a high diver at the local pools. He was the innovator of his signature clown dive known as "the screaming mi-mi." His love of the water extended to his passion for sailing, water skiing, and exploring regional lakes and rivers on his boats. He was the life of many parties and family gatherings with his jokes and laughter and would frequently entertain with his electric guitar.

Willard was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years; his parents; a sister, Ruth Ann Conrath; a brother-in-law, Lee Wagner; and a sister-in-law, Aurelia Keeling.

He was a loving and devoted husband and father. Married to Anna L. Janosky of East St. Louis, Ill., in 1953 until her passing in 2010, Bill and Anna raised five children, Frank, William, and Steven Conrath and Jeanne (Gary) Swain, all of Belleville, Ill., and Gail Conrath (Stacy Ferguson) of Batavia, Ill. Willard is also survived by two grandchildren, Gary (Holly) Swain and Corey Swain; three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Gwendolyn, and Cruise Swain; his beloved sisters, Doris "Connie" Wagner and Shirley Lisch (Hans) Gebhardt; dear brother, John H. (Mary Beth) Conrath; and many special nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. Brad Ringhofer, Geraldine Cross, Willard's special caretaker for over a year, and the other workers at Christian Health Care, and to the staff at Four Fountains.

Memorials may be made to the YMCA, to the National Parkinson Foundation, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2012, from the funeral home for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill., with Monsignor David Darin officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.

GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.