Conrad Stanley

Age 68 of South Wilmington, Illinois, formerly of Colorado and Wyoming, died Monday, April 7, 2025 at Ascension St. Mary Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born May 10, 1956 in Joliet, Illinois, Conrad Ray was the son of Marion and Rachel (Howard) Stanley. He was raised in Wilmington, Illinois and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1974. On September 30, 1978, he married Beverly Marie Ragain at St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington. Conrad attended Joliet Junior College and completed his Bachelor's Degree at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois and his Master's Degree at Governors State University in University Park, Illinois.

He began his career as a teacher at Joliet Township High School and later at Minooka High School. It was after Conrad relocated to Colorado and was teaching at Colorado Northwestern Community College that he transitioned to a career in geographical information systems. He later earned his GISP certification, and served on several government boards in Colorado and Wyoming throughout his career.

Conrad took great pleasure in working on projects such as automobile painting and glass sandblasting. He was very inclined with craftsmanship, using his talents for woodworking and metalcrafting. Conrad also enjoyed being outdoors where he would instruct rock climbing and use his knowledge and expertise as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 458.

He was a lifelong teacher, though his career pulled him out of the classroom, who found great value in sharing his experience to pass along to others he would mentor. Conrad had an affable personality, being able to strike up a conversation with just about anyone, and loved to tell a story or two to anyone who would listen. He leaves behind a loving family and many dear friends and students who were very fortunate to have him as part of their lives.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Stanley of South Wilmington; two children: Conrad Este (the late Jennifer Lynn) Stanley of Mazon, Illinois and Beth (William) Studer of Manhattan, Illinois; three grandchildren: Logan and Lillian Stanley and Archie Studer; one sister, Kathy (Van) Marma of Braceville, Illinois, and three brothers and sisters-in-law: Barb (Jeff) Lardi, Charlie (Kim) Ragain, and Joseph (Kim) Ragain; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends, colleagues, and students who were near and dear to Conrad's heart.

Conrad was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Gerald and Margaret Ragain; one aunt, Julie (Este) McClouth; and one nephew, Jeff Lardi.

The family will receive friends at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 7:00 p.m.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral services.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Conrad's memory to the St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and to share Conrad’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815-476-2181).