“Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21) is what Conrad Lee Githens heard as he entered Heaven on Friday, August 19, 2022.
Con was born (at home) December 21, 1931, in Osceola, IA to Gertrude (McNichols) and Howard Githens, he was the oldest of five siblings. The family eventually moved to Des Moines, IA. Con graduated from Des Moines Tech High School where he excelled in athletics. Con was a Korean War Vet. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Simpson College and his master’s degree from Drake University. He taught high school business courses so that he could pursue his true passion: coaching. He coached first at Steamboat Rock, and then, Adel-Desoto-Minburn.
He married the love of his life, Laura Holaday, on August 11, 1951; they celebrated 71 years of marriage a week before his death. Con and Laura have a daughter, Lynn (Steve) Sargent and a son, Conrad Lee (Lori) Githens II.
Con and Laura shared a passionate heart for God, together they started ADM’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 1966 and it’s still going strong today. Con held various leadership roles in Christian family camps, and he served as a deacon in his church for several years. He truly lived out his deep faith in Jesus Christ and set the bar high for the rest of us.
Survivors include his wife, Laura; daughter, Lynn; son, Lee. Grandchildren: Jordan Sargent, Lindsie (Mark) Moberg, Brody Sargent, Matthew Githens, Jacob Githens, Emily Githens. Great grandchildren: Gwen Moberg, Lucy Moberg, Edith Moberg, Miriam Moberg and Asher Moberg. Siblings: Carol (Pat) Patrick, Joan (Harold) Pope, Jim Githens, Jeannene Clark, and many nieces and nephews.
Con was preceded in death by: His parents; grandson, Eric Cooper and brother-in-law Jerry Clark.
The family would like to thank the staff at Urbandale Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for the vigilant and selfless acts of love that they extended to our husband, Dad, and Grampy.
A visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Care (7975 University Blvd. Clive, IA) on Wednesday, August 24 from 4:00-6:30pm. A funeral service will be held at New Hope Assembly of God (4425 70th St. Urbandale, IA) on Thursday, August 25 at 10:00am with a graveside service to follow at Resthaven Cemetery (801 19th St, West Des Moines, IA). There will be a time for luncheon fellowship and gathering back at the church following the graveside.
Memorials may be given to New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale or Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).