Elizabeth Conrad La Velle

Elizabeth "Beth" Conrad La Velle, 79, of Cedar Falls, passed away at UPH/Allen Hospital of Waterloo. She was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, on March 6, 1946, daughter of William Arthur and Margaret "Elizabeth" (Goodwin) Conrad. Beth graduated from East Grand Rapids High School with the Class of 1964, then earned her B.A. in Theater Design from Lawrence University in 1968 and her M.A. in Graphic Design from Western Michigan University in 1976. Over the years, she worked as a teacher and as a graphic designer, including at Hallmark in Kansas City. She was employed for over 30 years as an artist in the University of Northern Iowa's Public Relations office and retired as its Artistic Director/Designer. She was a talented calligrapher and had an independent graphic design business, La Velle Design.

Beth was for many years a member of PEO chapter OG in Cedar Falls.  She contributed her talent in graphic design to community organizations including Cedar Falls Community Main Street, Cedar Valley Chamber Music, Metropolitan Chorale, and St. Luke's Episcopal Church. She graced her family with beautiful framed art and cards over the years to celebrate birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and graduations. She loved dogs, flowers, mystery novels, and tea with friends.

Beth married Gehrig Kenneth La Velle on May 22, 1982, at First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Falls, and they were married nearly 43 years before his passing in April of this year.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Gehrig. She is survived by her brother, Boyd Goodwin Conrad of Lawrence, KS; niece, Kathryn (Kory Willis) Conrad, also of Lawrence; nephew, Paul McKenzie (Julie Meredith) Conrad of Zionsville, IN; great-niece, Rose Mackenzie Conrad Willis; great-nephews, Austin Meredith Conrad and Alexander McKenzie Conrad; step-son, Ken (Melissa Secrease) La Velle of Buena Vista, CO; step-grandchildren, Coltt (Lindsay) La Velle of Elbert, CO and AllieRae La Velle of Grand Junction, CO; a step great-grandson, Brett; 3 brothers-in-law, Maxson (Laurie) La Velle of Monticello, MN, Robert La Velle of Waterloo and Kent La Velle of Melbourne, FL; and a sister-in-law, Young Hui of South Korea.

Beth's Memorial Service will be at 9:30 am on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Cedar Falls.  Her cremated remains will be laid to rest next to Gehrig's in St. Luke's Columbarium following the service. Memorials may be directed to the Family for future designation.