Obituary: Raymond J. Conrad, Jr.

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory

Raymond J. Conrad, Jr.

Raymond John Conrad, Jr., age 80, late of Wilmington, and a long-time Joliet resident and businessman, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center.

Born December 20, 1942 in Oak Park, to Raymond and Myrtle (Pries) Conrad, he was raised in Bellwood, and was a graduate of Proviso West High School. Ray enjoyed several occupations including operating a Snap-on Tool franchise prior to channeling his love for motorcycles and riding his bike on the open road into his life’s calling. In 1984, he and his wife, Kathleen, purchased their Harley-Davidson dealership, operating at two locations in Joliet, prior to building their current state-of-the art sales facility located at 19356 NE Frontage Road in Shorewood.

Ray lived life to the fullest, following his own path, and if he could, he would want “just one more.” He will be remembered for his passion for motorcycles in addition to his love for cars and drag racing. After retiring in 2012, he cherished time spent by the river at his home in Wilmington, and enjoying a good Bloody Mary.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Sheila (Watson) Flatness; his children, Patrick (Tina) Conrad of Plainfield, Darren (Nancy) Conrad of Wilmington, Amy Clark of Channahon, Mandi (Kevin) Lawlor of Homewood, Ashley (Asya) Flatness of Morris, Bubba (Alyssa) Flatness of Seneca, and Courtney (Matt) Bays of Coal City; 14 grandchildren, Brandon, Justin, Dylan, Nicole, Lincoln, Ivy, Lexi, Kayla, Logan, Kayden, Zander, Arianna, Layne and Karsyn; one sister, Barbara (Tom) Hippler; one brother, Dick (Mary Ann) Conrad; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Lucy, Petey and Nitro.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen (Lanan) Conrad (September 19, 1999); one grandson, Jacob Conrad (September 7, 2020); his parents; and one sister, Patricia Jean Mascillino.

Visitation for Raymond Conrad will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may leave a condolence or share a favorite memory.

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