Donald D. Conklin

Donald Dean Conklin, 92, of Gilbert, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at The Waterview Woods in Eveleth, MN. 

He was born on January 22, 1933, to Pearl and Violet (Stewart) Conklin in Shell Lake Township, MN. He grew up in Ponsford, MN, and attended Shell Lake School before working in the logging industry with his father to help support their family. Donald was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and proudly served in Korea for two years. On September 15, 1957, he married Virginia Dormanen, and together they raised a family. They lived in various places on the Iron Range before settling in Gilbert in 1974. The couple shared nearly 49 years of marriage before Virginia’s passing on June 26, 2006. Donald was employed by Erie Mining Company and later retired from LTV Steel in 1994 after 36 years of service. While mining was his career, his true passion was working in the woods. He enjoyed activities like lumberjacking, taking long walks, biking, gardening, reading, and listening to country music. He loved singing, telling stories, and was always ready for a game of Yahtzee. He took great pleasure in spending time with his family and friends and was cherished by his children and grandchildren. Donald will be remembered for his kindness, faithfulness, generosity, humility, and love for others. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his children: Tammie Johnson of Gilbert, Randy Conklin of Gilbert, Michele (Jerry) Weyandt of Lino Lakes, and Aaron Conklin of Gilbert; grandchildren: Ryan Johnson, Jorja (Allan) Demuth, Jenna (Logan Pavleck) Bloomquist, Ranell (Matt Phifer) Lamke, Trevor Conklin, Logan (Megan) Weyandt, Spencer Weyandt, Rachel (Michael Stelly) Weyandt, Michael (Bean Erickson) Weyandt, Emily Weyandt, and Baylee Weyandt; great-grandchildren: Daniel, Allisa (Thomas), Casey, Carter, Carli, Paityn, Easton, Dalamar, Lincoln, Caisyn, Cylus, Syrena, and Brooks; great-great-grandchild Scarlett; sister Joann Eliassen; sister-in-law JoAnn Conklin, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Virginia; son Rodney; son-in-law Donovan Johnson; siblings: Clifford (Edna), Lester, Leon, Floyd (Norma), Wayne (Doris), Gordon (Mae), Alice, Vera, Orval, Alvin, and Marvin; and brother-in-law Robert Eliassen.

The family would like to sincerely thank the care staff at The Waterview Woods and Moments Hospice for their kindness and compassion over the past several months.

The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert with Pastor Laurie Howard officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Military honors will be accorded by the Gilbert VFW Post. Inurnment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery.