Dr. Ronald L. Conrad, optometrist, devoted husband, loving father, spicy food connoisseur, avid golfer and genuine friend to each and every person he met died on Sunday November 20, 2016. As a point of pride he was a Husker football season ticket holder for 54 years. Ron loved rooting for the Huskers and his beloved L.A. Dodgers with his three sons and wife, Ev.
Ron was born September 29, 1934 to Roy and Mary Alice Conrad in David City Nebraska. He graduated from David City High School in 1952 excelling as a star athlete in football and track. Upon graduation he became a railroad switchman traveling all across our great state. As a member of the Greatest Generation he stepped forward to serve his country and joined the Army serving as a morse code operator in Puerto Rico during the Korean War. When Ron returned home he attended Hastings College and graduated from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis TN in 1962 with a Doctorate of Optometry. Ron married Evelyn (Fraser) May 15, 1965 at St Matthew’s Church in Lincoln Nebraska. Ev and Ron established a meaningful life and warm home in Columbus, Nebraska. They raised their three sons -who they could not be prouder of – Casey, Ryan, and Tom. Ron founded his successful practice Eyecare Associates in Columbus that he led until his retirement in 2000. He also founded Heartland Optical in Lincoln now owned and operated by his sons.
Ron used his always upbeat personality and naturally affable leadership style with a selfless devotion to improving his community. He served as past President of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and was a lifetime Rotary member. Ron was past President of the Nebraska Optometric Association and was awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding service. He also served as President of Heart of America Contact Lens Society and Primary Care Congress.
Ron is survived by his wife and equal partner in all endeavors, Ev, whom he adored and cherished, Casey Conrad and Tysha Nixon of Lincoln, Ryan Conrad and Rebecca Reiter of Omaha, and Tom, Danielle, Caroline and Will Conrad of Lincoln. Ron continually provided his family love, support and Dale Carnegie books encouraging them to believe in themselves and the power of positive thinking. Ron is also survived by a host of other family members, friends, and business associates who are forever grateful to have known Ron and remain eternally inspired by his personality.
The family will celebrate Ron’s life with a private service and then invite visitors to a fellowship lunch with the family at 11am on Saturday November 26, 2016 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 2325 S 24th St., Lincoln, NE. Ron would have wanted all to remember him with his larger than life smile and his bold heartfelt handshakes.
In lieu of flowers family requests memorials to St Matthews Episcopal church.