Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Elizabeth Conard, 91, of De Pere, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2024, at Meng Unity Hospice Residence. She fought a fierce battle against congestive heart and kidney failure. Bobbie loved life and especially enjoyed socializing, playing bridge, singing, music, walking, reading, writing, and watching football (especially the Packers--but with her eyes closed). She loved to see her family and connecting with old and new friends.
Bobbie was born on October 9, 1932, to Dr. Glenn Robert and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Schmidley) Stauff in Mattoon, WI. She grew up in Allouez with her seven siblings and told many stories of their time playing in Kellogg's Woods. Bobbie and her siblings remained very close and enjoyed good times. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1950 and later went to NWTC where she earned her associate’s degree in medical office management in 1977.
On April 6, 1953, she married the love of her life, Thomas ‘Tom’ Walter Conard, at St. Matthew's Church in Allouez, WI. It was a double wedding celebrated with her sister Mary Ann and Richard Volz. Bobbie and Tom started their married life at Fort Benning and Fort Leonard Wood. After Tom was discharged from the US Army, they moved back to Green Bay to raise their family and Tom worked in his family clothing store business. Bobbie loved Christmas and made it a special time for her children. After their children started leaving the nest, Bobbie spent twenty years at Bellin Hospital in the billing department until her retirement. She was most proud of becoming a Medicare billing specialist where she helped people with their concerns. Bobbie retired in 1997 and moved to their cottage on Lake Noquebay. Bobbie loved the lake and all nature. She especially loved the snow and even the cold that went with it. Bobbie was so happy when her children and grandchildren came to visit the cottage. Many memories were made including cousins sleeping on the porch, games, singing “You Are My Sunshine”, swimming, boating, croquet, delicious meals, and walks. They were very involved with St. Mary's Parish in Crivitz, WI and volunteered for numerous activities. Bobbie had a beautiful voice and enjoyed being a church choir member. Bobbie wanted to help others and dedicated years as a volunteer for Unity Hospice. Bobbie was recognized by the Crivitz Area Women's Club with “Woman of the Year Award” in 2003. She was also awarded Volunteer of the Year by Unity Hospice. In 2006, they moved to De Pere, WI to be closer to their family. They met a good group of friends at the apartment complex they lived in. Bobbie continued her volunteer work for Unity, sitting with people, helping in the kitchen, and putting charts together. She also volunteered for Relevant Radio and listened to its programs daily. Tom and Bobbie became involved with St. John Evangelist Parish, Green Bay, and its activities and where Bobbie sang in the choir. They hosted Tom’s brother Fr. Jim Conard whenever he came home for rest from his Maryknoll mission at Kowak in Tanzania. In her final years, Bobbie resided at Renaissance Assisted Living where her sister Ellen and husband Lloyd live. She enjoyed participating in the “DaDa” Choir, group excursions, and playing Bridge.
Bobbie is survived by children: Teresa ‘Terri’ (Peter) Mauel, Celeste (Hugh) Holly, Mary Elizabeth ‘Maribeth’ Conard (Greg Polacheck), Joseph ‘Joe’ (Lucy) Conard, Susan ‘Sue’ (Dave) DeGroot and Foster Child, Leo Bretos Jr. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Patti (Mike) Ashton, Ellie (Kevin) Hartman, David (Jennifer) Mauel, Alyssa (Michelle) Hendricks, T.J. Holly (Jim Talsma), Anna Holly (Ryan Dolan), Gretchen (Hao) Nguyen, Rachael Holly (Pete Ehlers), Lindsay DeGroot (Oudorn Keomanyvong), Ben (Ally) Conard, Jacob (Becky) Holly, Matt (Kayla) DeGroot, Claire (Pat) Mangan, and fifteen great-grandchildren. Bobbie is also survived by sisters Mary Ann Andrews, Ellen (Lloyd) Van Lanen, Catherine (Pepper) O'Brien, and Claire (Bill) Gifford, sister-in-law Marlene Stauff, brother-in-law John (Sharon) Conard, brother-in-law Paul Conard and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Tom; her beloved son, David Francis Conard; her beloved parents; her beloved stepmother, Mildred (Wilmet Witters) Stauff; brothers Louis Stauff and Glenn ‘Butch’ Stauff; sister, Ann Trainor; brothers-in-law Richard Trainor, Richard Volz, Jules Andrews, John ‘Jack’ O’Brien, Roger Iversen, Fr. James Conard, and sisters-in-law Audrey Iversen, Maureen Stauff, and Joan Conard and dear Stauff family caregiver and friend, Pauline Gould.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 427 St. John St, Green Bay, WI 54301. The visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of mass. Interment will be later in the week at Allouez Catholic Cemetery on Friday August 16, 2024, at 1:30 PM.
The family would like to thank those who cared for Bobbie over the last 4 years especially Unity Hospice for their compassion and care during Bobbie’s last days.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Unity Hospice, Relevant Radio and/or to Friends of Kowak (friendsofkowak.org).
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