Conrad R. Gillett, 101, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 10:16 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at The Kensington. He was born on May 27, 1923 in Kansas City, MO to Earl “Ted” & Margaret M. Case Gillett. He married Betty J. Hamrick on November 18, 1945 in Fort Madison, IA. She preceded him in death on August 3, 2013. He retired from the Sheaffer Pen Company in May of 1985 as Manager of the Ad Specialty Department with 40 years of service. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife to visit family and friends, making three trips to Europe to visit his son in the Air Force. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII in the Solomon Islands, Guam, Guadalcanal & New Georgia. He was discharged in 1945. He was one of the last WWII vets and was likely the oldest in Fort Madison. Conrad was likely the oldest man in Fort Madison as well. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a former member of the Fort Madison Jaycees. He was an avid fisherman all of his life and especially enjoyed his annual trip to Lake of the Woods, Canada with his son. He spent much time fishing on the Mississippi River throughout his life.
Conrad survived by his son, Keith R. Gillett of Belleville, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 1-daughter: Patricia Gillett in 1971, 1-sister: Marie & 3-brothers: Ed, Frank & Earl.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A memorial service will immediately follow at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Dave Poland officiating. Burial will be held at Oakland Cemetery. A memorial has been established for St. Paul Lutheran Church. Online condolences to the Gillett family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
