Conrad M. Banninger

Conrad (Connie) Milton Banninger was born on August 15, 1936, in the house he would grow up in, to Anna May (Coleman) Banninger and Charles Thomas Banninger. It was a long and difficult birth resulting in Connie being physically and mentally challenged. As parents they had been recommended to send their child away to a facility, as he would require special care for the rest of his life. Instead, they chose to raise Connie at home. He grew strong and thrived with love and a purpose on the small dairy farm environment of hard work.

Connie loved John Deere tractors and trucks and tractors with diesel engines. Connie also had a passion for photography, filling many albums with his adventures. With his incredible memory, he rarely forgot a name, and enjoyed engaging in conversation with his many friends. His generous heart would find him sharing a piece of candy or other goodie. He had a special gift of bringing joy to all he came in contact with.

Connie is survived by a sister Patricia Banninger, brother Bruce Banninger, nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

Connie was preceded in death by his parents, a younger brother, and two nephews. After leaving the farm he went to live in an AFC home where he was thrilled to be employed by Grand Traverse Industries (GTI). Connie was so proud of his, “Paycheck.” A special thank you to the staff of GTI, and especially Steve Purdue who went way beyond the call of duty to make each participant feel special and fulfilled.

At birth Connie was not given a long-life prediction, but he lived to be eighty-five. On January 16, 2022, our dearest Connie succumbed to Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure and ARDS secondary to Covid 19.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Grand Traverse Industries, 2170 Traverse Field Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686; designate “In Memory of Conrad Banninger.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 9, 2024, at the Traverse City Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 2055 N. Four Mile Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686. Visitation: 10:00 AM. Service: 11:00 AM.

The family is being cared for by Life Story Funeral Home of Traverse City, MI.