Conrad Bilgrien

Conrad Bilgrien of Mount Holly, NC, passed away on May 19th , 2023 at the age of 64.
Conrad was born the oldest of three children to Arlene Buchli and Conrad Bilgrien Sr. on September 7 th ,
1958 in Pontiac, MI. As a child his family moved to Milwaukee, where he spent most of his early life. At
age 17, he joined the US Navy. He trained as a nuclear power operator and instructor, before being
deployed on the nuclear submarine USS Bremerton (SSN-698) and completed his service at Pearl
Harbor.

Following his Navy service, Conrad attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison, completing a BS in
Electrical and Computer Engineering and developing the first email system for the School of Engineering.
He met his wife, Kay Uttech, while attending UW. He and Kay were married on May 30th in 1987 and
spent 35 years together. Conrad later attended NC State University for a MS in Computer Engineering.
During his career in the computer science and engineering industry, Conrad was greatly admired by his
co-workers as a strong leader, an engaging mentor, and a lifelong friend.

Kay and Conrad later moved back to the Midwest to start their family. They had three children, Charles,
Jenna, and Andrea, who they raised in Algonquin, IL. He was a devoted husband and father; he never
missed an opportunity to tell his children he was proud of them.

Conrad was notably well-traveled, visiting 6 continents, an avid road biker, and exercise enthusiast.
Conrad consistently worked to make his community a better place, holding multiple roles as president of
homeowner’s associations and church council. A lover of old fashioneds, family camping trips, and long
Sunday bike rides, he was always ready to crack a corny joke, and never hesitated to reuse a joke if it
worked. Known for pulling innocent pranks and his distinctive laugh, he will be remembered as a
genuine and generous man by the many lives he touched.

Conrad was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his wife, Kay Uttech and
children: Charles Bilgrien, Jenna Bilgrien, and Andrea Bilgrien and by his two brothers: Carl Bilgrien and
Craig Bilgrien.

A celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Conrad requested donations to be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society (link is listed below) or the Sarcoma Foundation of America at https://www.curesarcoma.org/conrad-bilgrien/.