Thursday, March 28, 2024

Connect with us:

Obituary: Conrad L. Kats Jr.

November 1, 1946 – March 17, 2022

information provided by Smits Funeral Home

Conrad L. Kats Jr., age 75 of Crown Point, IN went home to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Beloved husband of Cynthia Kats nee Graham. Loving father of Conrad L. (Christy) Kats III, Ryan (Heather) Kats, Kit (Paul) Craven, and Andrew Kats. Devoted grandfather of Malarie Koch, Samantha (Kevin) Cooper, Conrad L. (fiancé Bre Beier) Kats IV, Jessica (Chris) Klein, Robert Sheetz, Christopher (Michelle) Sheetz, Kaitlyn Volk, Ryane Kats, Ariana Smith, Griffin McHugh, Crew Craven, Colt Craven, and Kenzie Kats. Great-grandfather of Leo Klein, K.J. Cooper, Stella Klein, Chevi Cooper, Bowdi Cooper, Miklo Sheetz, Levi Klein, and Conrad L. Kats V. Dear brother of Ruth (late Jim) Shaffer, Mary (Bob) Huniford, and Dave (Jane) Kats. Kind uncle of many nieces and nephews and dear son-in-law of Patricia Graham. Preceded in death by his parents Conrad L. and Margaret Kats Sr. and grandson Ryker Kats.

Conrad will be remembered as a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was loved by many and could light up any room he walked into. He was always the center of attention and could always garner a laugh out of just about anyone. He was the ultimate jokester and well known for his “fart machine” pranks. Literally everywhere he went, he made people laugh and smile.

He was a long-time loyal employee of FleetPride Truck and Trailer Parts (formerly Midway Truck Parts) from where he retired in 2021. Conrad started his sales career when he was approached by Doug Smith (a parts sales man for Century Clutch and Brake) while he was working at Kickert School Bus line as a parts manager in 1976. Doug told dad that he had a funny and charismatic personality and that he would make an excellent salesperson. He had a successful career and sold truck parts for 45 years after that.

He served in the United States Armed Forces — Army National Guard of Indiana from 1966–1972. Specialist Conrad L. Kats Jr. qualified as a sharpshooter with M14 and was a 12B Construction Engineer. Conrad was an avid history lover and loved to watch and read the history of WWII. He loved war planes and spent a lot of time putting together models. In his youth he enjoyed drag racing at US 30 dragstrip in a 55 Chevy that he called the “Street Cleaner.” He was always a perfectionist when it came to any kind of vehicle. For years he would buy classic cars to fix up and resell.

Conrad loved the Lord and had a true gift for leading prayer. Conrad and Cindy raised their children in God’s word. They made it their mission in life to bring people to the Lord. Many friends and family members were often invited to church with the lure of an awesome Sunday dinner of pot roast and mashed potatoes to follow. Their generosity and friendships were often cultivated over a meal.

Conrad was a friend to all, there was never a stranger that entered his home. He will be missed by masses.

Visitation, Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 3 – 8 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Funeral service, Friday, March 25, 2022, at Faith Church, 100 W. 81st Avenue, Dyer, IN. Interment Oak Ridge Cemetery – Lansing, IL.

Smits Funeral Homes
Smits Funeral Homeshttps://www.smitsfh.com/
We are a family-owned business providing compassionate, professional end-of-life care. We handle all the details during a difficult time, so you can focus on the things that matter. We understand that each family is unique and has personal requests and traditions. Call our main office at 219-322-7300 to find out more about the customized services we can offer your family when the time comes.