Conrad Metcalf

Conrad "Connie" Metcalf was born in Duluth, MN, on March 27, 1945, to Harold and Myrtle (Anderson) Metcalf. His birthdate on some government documents reflects two different dates, both March 20th and 27th are listed. Connie passed away on November 17, 2025, after a short illness at Alden Park Strathmoor in Rockford, IL.

Connie was the youngest of six siblings. When Connie was six months old, they all moved in with their grandmother, Phoebe Metcalf, and their father, Harold. Many lessons were learned from his grandmother. Going to sleep at night, he learned family structure as she identified the baby, mama, and daddy frogs croaking in the lake. Learning about his future on his grandmother's lap as she forecast his future in the tea leaves at the bottom of her cup.

Connie graduated from New Auburn High School in May 1964. There were five first cousins in that class, and he remained close to them all of his life. His oldest brother Bob was his protector in those early years, stepping between Connie and trouble whenever it appeared.

Connie was a born salesman, winning every sales contest in school, outselling everyone at the seeds or magazines. This became his life's work. He took a brief intermission from sales after high school, enlisting in the U.S. Army and being stationed in Germany. He loved Germany and the German ladies, and they loved him. While in Germany, he found another love, Polish polka music. He was always quick to tell you, "not German, Polish polkas."

All his life, his individuality stood out. From his signature Kid Rock hat or wearing a turban around his head at a family reunion, where the littles would ask, "Are you a pirate?" To which the answer was "yes, I am." He was known from Chetek to Chippewa/Eau Claire for his red Triumph, his motorcycle, red speedboat, and later for his signature plates "Medcalf1". If you met him, you never forgot him. Connie's work history included the Girl Scout camp in Mudbrook during high school, then Uniroyal in Eau Claire after returning from Germany. His career included managing furniture stores to later closing them out all over the U.S. He met and married Kathy Malles of Eau Claire in the early 70s, moving to Superior to work in the appliance department at a big box store, where they had two children, Nathan and Heidi. After several years in Superior, the family moved to Florida. He relocated to the Loves Park, IL area in the 80s, where he met Shirley Swiggum, and they were a couple for 26 years before her passing in 2012. Connie suffered a stroke during surgery in 2016 that disabled him, and he lived at Alden Park Strathmore in Rockford until his passing.

Connie is survived by his two children, Nathan Metcalf and Heidi (Matt) Montelli; two grandchildren, Orin and Davin Montelli; brothers, Robert (Barbara) Metcalf and Arthur (Mary Katherine) Metcalf; sister, Marlys Marsh, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by grandmothers, parents, sister, Jean Kleber, and brother Dennis Metcalf.

A Celebration of Life service is being planned for a later date in August 2026.