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Orvetta C. Conrad, 86, of Iowa City, died Monday, April 1, 2013, after a long struggle with complications following a hospital accident. A memorial mass will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City.

Orvetta Lampe Conrad was born August 29, 1926 in Bellevue, Iowa, to Benjamin and Margaret Malone Lampe. She had ten brothers and sisters: she was preceded in death by Madonna, Ardell, Evelyn, Phyllis, Frederick and John (who died at birth); and is survived by Annabelle Alford of Chicago; Lewis of Port Orange, FL; Ronald (Scherie) of Monona, WI; and Barbara Loeb of Lakeway, TX.

Orvetta earned a degree in education from Mount St. Clare College (now Ashford U.) in Clinton, IA, and began teaching in Fort Madison. While teaching grade school in Eldon, IA, she met Martin Conrad, a Rock Island Railroad brakeman and WW II veteran.

They married June 19, 1950, and moved to Excelsior Springs, MO. There they had three children, all of whom survive them: Monte Conrad and Katherine Conrad of Iowa City; and Margaret, or Peggy, Perdue of Fond du Lac, WI. Peggy and her husband Tom have two children, Dr. Jennifer Perdue of Charleston, SC, and Thomas Perdue II of Chicago. Orvetta is also survived by many neices and nephews who were very close to her.

During the 1950's, Orvetta owned a dress store. Later she returned to teaching, retiring in 1960 to raise a family. She did substitute teaching, began a TOPS Club, and served on the Eldon Library Board. In Iowa City, she fulfilled a childhood dream to work as a nanny, 1981-2001.

Martin passed away in 1994.

Orvetta was a member for many years of St. Wenceslaus Parish and the Ecumenical Women's Bible Study. 
We were fortunate to have Orvetta as our nanny to my two children in the late nineties. My younger one was just a year and a half old when she started, and quickly she became an essential part of the family. Her love and dedication was exceptional, and she helped us through challenging times.
It was most difficult to part with her when we moved away. She always remained in a very special place in our heart.
My condolences go out to her family.
Esther and Matthias

Posted by Esther Argenyi - Seattle, WA - Friend   April 26, 2013

Orvetta was my second-oldest sister and my godmother. Even into my college years she never forgot my birthday and still called me often in later years. Up until the last months I could identify her lilting voice. I never heard her sing, but I think she must have been a good singer

She is at peace now. My sympathies to my nieces and nephew.

Barbara Loeb

Posted by Barbara Loeb - Lakeway, TX, TX - Sister   April 11, 2013

Orvetta was such a special person to me. Her answers to Bible study questions were often enlightening and mind expanding. One knew that she was a thinker and a sincerely faithful woman. Particularly to me, she was a prayer warrior of the highest order. If I had a prayer request, I could always count on her to pray for my concern and to go above and beyond in following up. And I asked her a number of times! Our sharing and telephone conversations were so uplifting--truly you are fortunate to have had a person of this caliber in your family. She was a woman anyone would be proud to call "friend." And I do.

Posted by Glenda Sivers - Coralville - Women's Bible Study Friend   April 09, 2013

I was saddened to hear of Orvetta's passing, but I shouldn't be. She is where she wants to be, where she lived her life to be, in the arms of the Lord. I have many long ago memories of her, but I am happy that when she was ill we again connected. When Portia and I visited, we talked about the old days, about memories we shared, and our shared family. I love the picture of her. Her smile. That's the way I want to remember her. Sympathies to my cousins. Love, Pam

Posted by Pam Cheney - Dubuque, ID - niece   April 09, 2013

My memories date back almost 60 years ago when Orvetta and Dolly would come to see her Mom and Pop in Bellevue. Both couldn't wait to grab up my sisters and me in the most fun laps with tickles and kisses. Always a delight for us! Although decades passed, I then grew to know Orvetta as an adult. She was a very bright and articulate woman, resolved in her beliefs: religious, political, practical and her staunch devotion to her family/heritage. Her calm spirit and her genteel voice will remain with me forever. She more than earned the Golden Wings here on Earth, as she now has soared to Heaven. I will miss you! Portia

Posted by Portia Holloway - Bellevue, IA - niece   April 08, 2013

I loved my aunt, Orvetta Conrad, throughout my lifetime and have many cherished memories of being with her. Her memory, and that of my uncle, Martin Conrad, will always remain in my heart, and I will miss them always.
My mother, Monica Conrad Kinnamon, was Martin Dooley's sister. My son and I will be coming to attend Aunt Orvetta's funeral in Iowa City on April 13.

Posted by Diane Kinnamon & son, Robert Elwood, Jr. - Rochester, MN - Niece of Orvetta Conrad   April 07, 2013

All of Orvetta's Bible Study sisters in Christ knew she would be eager to share her faith and her smile. She was a great witness to her love of God and her family.
May God's peace be with all of you as it is with Orvetta.

Jan Down

Posted by Jan Down - Iowa City, IA - Friend   April 07, 2013

I met Orvettta when she was the nanny for one of my students. It was my great privilege to call her "friend". I admired her dedication to her work and the sincere interest she showed during our many conversations. For a brief time we were together again in our cherished Bible Study group.
Orvettta made the world a better place. She was gallant in the face of struggle, she was devoted to her friends and family, and she was a warm and glowing light that illuminated Life for the rest of us....

Posted by Donna Trolliet - Iowa City, IA - friend   April 06, 2013

You have my sympathy in the loss of your mother. She was a very kind person. She was interested in all at Bible study and had time to talk and listen. She always had her children in her heart and prayers. She was very concerned for others. We missed her when she could no longer attend Bible study. you were fortunate to have a caring mother such Orvetta.

Posted by Lue Puhrman - Iowa City, IA - Friend from Bible study   April 05, 2013

Orvetta shared many truths I appreciated. She influenced my life toward being a more dedicated Christian. May God rest her soul. Myrna Farraj

Posted by Myrna Farraj - Iowa City, IA - Bible Study sister   April 05, 2013

What a friend Iowa city wil not be the same without her

Posted by Frances Conger - Noblesville - Bible study friend   April 04, 2013

I am honored to say Orvetta was my friend. I so much appreciate her kind spitit, her warm smile, her loving concern, the faithfulness she showed to her friends, and above all her love for God, His Word, and His way. She was truly an inspiration for me to be a better Christian. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for making this lovely woman and allowing her to bless our world as she walked through it with Jesus. What a joy to know that because Jesus rose from the dead, we have the hope of eternal life with Him. I know Orvetta is enjoying that eternal life in His presence right now.
Many blessings over her family. She spoke of you often and loved each of you dearly. May you have many moments of shared memories and may the tears that come bring healing to your hearts.

Posted by Kathleen A. Woods - State College, PA - Friend   April 04, 2013 Life Stories

Ma always kept a V.I.P. Prayer Card next to her chair where she sat. I thank her for keeping me on her list & for praying for our family every day. So blessed to know that she is now in paradise up in Heaven. We have gained a true guardian angel.

Posted by Jennifer Perdue from Charleston, SC - Granddaughter on

wonderful neighbor generous, Had good personality, always liked my cooking and sweet treats. Always remembered me at christmas,always doing what she could do best.Have many memories of christmas gifts Thanks orvetta for all you have done may you rest in peace.

Posted by carol vance from iowa city, IA - neighbor on