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Victoria Conrad, 93, West Branch
Obituaries · February 19, 2015



Victoria Conrad, 93, of West Branch died early Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, with her youngest daughter by her side.

Per her requests, Victoria has been cremated and will be buried next to her husband at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. In Victoria’s memory, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Gabe’s Play Village, P.O. Box 4172, Davenport, Iowa, 52803.

The third child of 12, Victoria was born Victoria Aguirre in the summer of 1921, to a family constantly in motion. Between the United States and Mexico, through the Great Depression and World War II, Victoria consistently found work to support herself and her family. Though she was never financially wealthy, Victoria and her friends found solace from their work in dancing. “We were all poor, but we were happy,” she would say. “We were all in the same boat.” Victoria met her husband, Billy Conrad, on a blind date. The two were married in 1960, and together the couple had two daughters, Ann Marie and Christine. Up or down, thin or flush, for 41 years, the two remained by each other’s side until Billy’s death in 2001.

Victoria was a student of history and an insatiable reader; she had an infectious laugh and a special place in her heart for children. Simply put, Victoria brightened the lives of those she touched. She is missed.

Victoria is survived by her two daughters, Ann Marie (Don) Erickson and Christine (David) Swanson; her grandson, Conrad Swanson; and her stepgrandchildren, Jason Erickson and Sarah Crowder.

The family extends their gratitude to Victoria’s niece Gloria Cypret, Father Greg Steckel, Dr. Scott Eberly and the staff and residents of Crestview Nursing & Rehab Center in West Branch.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.