Conrad Ladstatter Obituary

Conrad F. Ladstatter, 86, of Yorkville, formerly of Darien and Western Springs. Born May 30, 1926 in Domzale, Slovenia, he died Saturday surrounded by his loving family. He courageously battled multiple myeloma cancer for 5 years and was a 22 year liver transplant survivor. Conrad proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946 as an Electrician's Mate on a destroyer tender and was later transferred to a heavy hull repair ship. In July of 1946, he met the love of his life, Gloria Bohinc at a Slovenian picnic. He graduated from Chicago Technical College (now IIT) in 1950 with a B.S. in electrical engineering. After graduation, he promptly married Gloria on January 13, 1951 in Riverside, IL. They were married 53 years until Gloria's death in 2004. As an electrical engineer, Conrad worked for Amphenol-Bunker Ramo for over 26 years. In a very short time, he became VP of Engineering, Director of Patents and Technical Liaison. He was also chief delegate to the International and National Standards Committee of EIA (Electronic Industry Assoc.) and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). While serving as an officer in these organizations, Conrad and Gloria traveled to Europe, the Canary Islands and Africa. Conrad was proud of his Slovenian heritage and was a 60+ year member of SNPJ (a Slovenian Fraternal Society). In recent years he and his daughter attended monthly lodge meetings together, which further reinforced his Slovenian pride. With his wife, he traveled back to see his birth home which now has a historical marker due to its significant involvement during WWII. Conrad enjoyed going to Cubs games with his family, had pride and passion in the 3 homes he designed and had built for his family, and watching old westerns and the classics on TV. He had an extremely keen memory and loved to share stories and details on just about anything. He is survived by his daughter Anita (Alan) Vitous of Yorkville. He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, brother Ivan, parents Konrad and Ivanka and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation Saturday, from 10 am until service time, 12 noon, with military honors, at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301-75th Street, Downers Grove. Private interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park. Memorials may be given to American Cancer Society or Anti-Cruelty Society. Funeral info: 630-964-6500.