William (Bill) Condran

WILLIAM J. (BILL) CONDRAN

Cedar Rapids

William J. (Bill) Condran, 77, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, at Living Center West, after a long and hard-fought battle with numerous health issues over the past several years. A visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. A private family burial will be in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bill was born Nov. 2, 1939, to William and Esther (Wittenhagen) Condran in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated from Washington High School in 1958 and, following that, he continued on with his love for baseball (M&J League, town teams) while continuing to chase his dream of someday playing in the "bigs." He faithfully cheered on the Dallas Cowboys, but that love didn't compare to his devotion to the New York Yankees over the years (he finally made it to the Big Apple to see them play in 2012). Those who knew him well knew he was all about sports in general, and that he traditionally ran a small-time fantasy football league for several years. And although the "big" trophy never ended up in his hands, he continued to chase it while playing in the City Am for several years. He was a storyteller, and his ever-changing "adventures" from his earlier days provided numerous, laughable moments for family and friends who had the "pleasure" of listening.

He was a 27-year employee of Rockwell Collins and valued the friendships he was fortunate to have made along the way. He enjoyed catching up on fellow friends' lives by attending several get-togethers for lunch at the Starlite when his health allowed.

His favorite highlights over the years consisted of attending his kids' and grandkids' many sports and musical activities. He was proud of them all and never passed up the chance to let everyone know of their achievements. Secondly, he was proud to be a part of coaching boys and girls in the Cedar Hills baseball and softball leagues, boys metro football league, Babe Ruth and legion red baseball and girls freshman and sophomore basketball teams at Jefferson High School (especially when they handed him a 16-0 season in '88-'89), and traveling across the country with a talented group of 18U girls as they proudly represented Iowa in AAU basketball. Those were "his" days, and he thoroughly enjoyed every one of them!

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Dorothy; his children, Lisa Lyons, Kyle Condran and Brett Condran; and son-in-law, Dave Lyons. Also surviving are his special grandkids, Ty (and Kendra), Carter, Skye, Bryce, Izah, Kayla and Hannah, whom he cherished.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Guy Condran, (2012), who he has now joined in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Rest in Heavenly peace, Coach.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under "obituaries."