Patrick Brady ‘Pappy’ Conrad, 69, passed away March 15, 2025, at Ellinwood District Hospital, Ellinwood, Kan. He was born on Sept. 5, 1955, in Smith Center, Kan., to Pearl and Sharon (James) Conrad. He married Sandy Winkelmann; they later divorced. He then married Shirley (Ruckman) Mong on April 29, 2006.

A resident of Ellinwood since 2021 coming from Atwood, Pappy worked most recently as an RN. He worked in several industries, starting in agriculture with his Granddad Henry, then Conrad Irrigation, moving on to Smith County Rural Water District, then the Golden Foundation with his mom, next Peterson Industry. Pappy then shifted gears and became an EMT, later a paramedic, then a registered nurse working in Rawlins County and Stafford County. 

Pappy was a devout Christian. He was a member of Gaylord Community Church, First Christian Church of Atwood, and Cross Winds of Kansas Biker Church. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Pappy was also a member of Bikers for Christ (BFC) and Fat Boys. He served as a volunteer firefighter for Gaylord, Kan., and taught hunter’s safety and CPR courses. Pappy enjoyed hunting pheasants and deer, being a leader of the pasture party for the DU ER – Pasture, as well as woodworking. He offered insight into his life with his weekly email blog and radio piece, “Two Wheel Perspective.” Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of the home; son, Tanner Conrad (Angela) of Salina; granddaughters, Mariah Merida (Anthony) of Atwood and Marissa Stevens (Andrew) of McCook, Neb.; step children, Bryan Mong (Alicia) of Sand Springs, Okla., Patricia Mong of Goodland, Bruce Mong (Cyandra) of Holyrood, and Tammy Miller of Galveston, Texas; 15 grandchildren, Madison Galemore (Jerry), Raylynn Hilger (Hunter), Abbi Rickard (Aaron), Ali Rickard, Caleb Miller, Ariel Rickard, Alessa Rickard, Libby Mong, Lane Rickard, Arianna Irvin, Elijah Irvin, Aubriella Horinek, Emmy Mong, Laynie Mong, and Colt Mong; four great grandchildren, Phalen Stevens, Emery Stevens, Brylee Galmore, and Calliope Merida; brother, Mike Conrad (Dawn) of Gaylord; and sister, Kelly Tucker (David) of Gaylord. He is preceded in death by his parents; and great granddaughter, Penelope Merida.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Cross Winds of Kansas Biker Church, Great Bend, Kan. Inurnment will follow in the afternoon at Gaylord Cemetery, Gaylord, Kan. Memorials have been designated to the Patrick Conrad Expense Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, Kansas, 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 18, 2025