Wayne Conklin

FUNERAL SERVICES : 1:00 P.M. Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.VISITATION : One hour prior to service at the funeral home.INTERMENT : Linnell Cemetery near Ponsford, MNSURVIVORS : His four sons, Eldon Conklin of Osage, Arnold Conklin, Melvin (Loretta) Conklin and Terry Conklin all of the Detroit Lakes area; three granddaughters: April Atkisson of Nevis, MN, Bonnie Robbins of Park Rapids, MN and Cindy Colgrove of Parkers Prairie, MN; five great grandchildren: Tandra and Brennyn Robbins, Carolyn and Clayton Klebs and Hunter Brandenburg; three brothers, Alvin (JoAnn) Conklin, Floyd (Norma) Conklin, Donald Conklin; one sister Joann (Robert) Eliassen; as well as many nieces, nephews and many friends. WAYNE E. CONKLINJuly 11, 1922 ~ September 4, 2010 Wayne E. Conklin, age 88 a lifelong Ponsford, MN area resident, passed away unexpectedly at his home near Ponsford on Saturday, September 4, 2010. Wayne was born on July 11, 1922 in Shell Lake Township, Becker County, Minnesota to Pearl and Violet (Stewart) Conklin. As a boy he attended Shell Lake Country School near his home. Upon completing his schooling, Wayne gained employment in the logging industry for a time. He enlisted in the United States Navy serving his country during WWII with the Seabees in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Shortly after his return home he met Doris Schurdevin. The young couple was united in marriage on June 11, 1946 at the Toad Lake Lutheran Church near Height of Land, MN. This union was blessed with five children: Eldon, Arnold, Melvin, Terry and Carol. Wayne provided for his family using his many varied skills. He worked as a carpenter for Forbes Building Improvement in Detroit Lakes as well as other various jobs through the years. He was a "jack of all trades" and could fix and refurbish just about anything. Wayne loved going to auctions and discovering old treasures. He especially liked finding cream cans, copper boilers, or butter churns. In 2005, he endured the loss of his dear wife for 59 years, Doris. He kept his work worn hands busy carving diamond willow canes and walking sticks that he gave to family and friends. Wayne kept his mind sharp too - he was a wealth of information who never lost at playing trivia games. Even after suffering a stroke in the spring of 2009 he hardly missed a step, continuing to make his rounds visiting friends and neighbors and fixing things - only his garden got a little smaller. He loved spending time with family and friends and visiting over a cup of coffee. If you ever told him of your favorite special treats he would be sure to have them on hand for your next visit. Wayne will be dearly missed by his four sons: Eldon Conklin of Osage, Arnold Conklin, Melvin (Loretta) Conklin and Terry Conklin all of the Detroit Lakes area; three granddaughters: April Atkisson of Nevis, MN, Bonnie Robbins of Park Rapids, MN and Cindy Colgrove of Parkers Prairie, MN; five great grandchildren: Tandra and Brennyn Robbins, Carolyn and Clayton Klebs and Hunter Brandenburg; three brothers: Alvin (Joann) Conklin, Floyd (Norma) Conklin and Donald Conklin; one sister, Joann (Robert) Eliassen; as well as many nieces, nephews and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris; daughter, Carol Holt; brothers: Clifford, Lester, Leon, Gordon, Orval and Marvin and two sisters: Vera and Alice. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Elmer Yliniemi officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Casketbearers will be Eldon Conklin, Arnold Conklin, Melvin Conklin, Terry Conklin, April Atkisson, Bonnie Robbins and Cindy Colgrove. Special music will be: "What a Friend We Have In Jesus", "The Old Rugged Cross", and "It Is Well With My Soul". Interment will be made at Linnell Cemetery near Ponsford.