Gary James Conklin, age 76 of Munster, IN, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, October 20, 2022. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carol (nee:Grigutis), his three children; Laurie (Jeffrey) Soeka, Keith (Marsha) Conklin, Aaron Conklin; his grandchildren; Emily, Megan and Sarah Soeka, Tyler and GracieContinue Reading
Gary James Conklin, age 76 of Munster, IN, passed away peacefully with his family by
his side on Thursday, October 20, 2022. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 53 years,
Carol (nee:Grigutis), his three children; Laurie (Jeffrey) Soeka, Keith (Marsha) Conklin,
Aaron Conklin; his grandchildren; Emily, Megan and Sarah Soeka, Tyler and Gracie
Conklin, Christina, Eleanore, Gideon, Gweneth, and Sylvia Conklin; sisters Lois
(Ambrose) Unton, Kay (Doug) Ferris, Vickie Conklin, and brothers, Allen (Jan) Conklin
and Brian Conklin; many nieces and nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, James Conklin and Eleanore (step-father,
Walter) Thoni, step-sister, Barbara Thoni; in-laws Edward & Marjorie Grigutis and sister-in-law, Carol Conklin. Gary grew up in Rice Lake, WI and moved at the age of 18 to the Chicagoland area. He
worked at Acme Steel for 32 years.. After his retirement from Acme Steel, he worked at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School, Munster, IN as a custodian for 15 years. Gary volunteered at Hospice of the Calumet Area, Riley House for 20 years, cooking for and visiting with people during their end days. Gary was a hard worker and enjoyed helping people. He passed this trait unto his children. For many years, Gary served on the Fellowship Board at St. Paul’s making coffee every Sunday for between service fellowship. He also was on the Dartball League at St. Paul’s.
Gary loved vacationing. When his family was young, they spent many weekends
camping. Gary and Carol took numerous vacations all over the country with family and
friends, along with many cruises. One of his favorite places to be was sitting, watching
the ocean waves, sunning himself with a Bloody Mary in his hand.
Gary enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren at their homes for
family parties and watching the Chicago Bears play on Sundays. He was a die-hard
pinochle player and loved when his granddaughter, Emily would come over to play
three-handed pinochle with him and grandma. He was fond of 3 Floyd’s beer and liked
to go to Dark Lord Day every year.
A celebration of Gary’s life with family and friends will be held on Friday, October 28,
2022 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave., Munster, IN.
A memorial service will follow at 6:00 pm offered by Pastor Dale Hetherington of Grace
Lutheran Church, Dyer, IN.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600
Superior Ave., Munster, IN 46321 in memory of Gary.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Gary James Conklin, please visit our Tribute Store.
Anonymous
left a message on October 27, 2022:
To the Conklin Family, Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Love, The Bunco Chicks
Serene Retreat was purchased for the family of Gary Conklin by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Becky Bowler
left a message on October 25, 2022:
My condolences go out to the family. Even though I never met Gary, I did get the pleasure of meeting his wonderful wife Carol and children at the hotel I worked for and let me tell you they were the most wonderful, caring family I have met in a long time. Treated me like I was one of them. I am so sorry to hear the news about Gary. Love you guys and my prayers and thoughts are with you all ?? and ??
Joe and Leesa Mecozzi
left a message on October 24, 2022:
Our deepest sympathy. Joe and Leesa Mecozzi
Blue Caribbean was purchased for the family of Gary Conklin by Joe and Leesa Mecozzi. Send Flowers
Diane Case
left a message on October 24, 2022:
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Fall Fantasia was purchased for the family of Gary Conklin by Diane Case. Send Flowers
Roque Cabagnot
left a message on October 23, 2022:
I personally do not know the man. But seeing Keith turn out the way he did. I can tell he was a dedicated, devoted, loving father. He is now enjoying paradise with our Lord. God bless him. Amen.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Anonymous
left a message on October 27, 2022:
To the Conklin Family, Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Love, The Bunco Chicks
Serene Retreat was purchased for the family of Gary Conklin by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Becky Bowler
left a message on October 25, 2022:
My condolences go out to the family. Even though I never met Gary, I did get the pleasure of meeting his wonderful wife Carol and children at the hotel I worked for and let me tell you they were the most wonderful, caring family I have met in a long time. Treated me like I was one of them. I am so sorry to hear the news about Gary. Love you guys and my prayers and thoughts are with you all ?? and ??
Joe and Leesa Mecozzi
left a message on October 24, 2022:
Our deepest sympathy. Joe and Leesa Mecozzi
Blue Caribbean was purchased for the family of Gary Conklin by Joe and Leesa Mecozzi. Send Flowers
Diane Case
left a message on October 24, 2022:
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Fall Fantasia was purchased for the family of Gary Conklin by Diane Case. Send Flowers
Roque Cabagnot
left a message on October 23, 2022:
I personally do not know the man. But seeing Keith turn out the way he did. I can tell he was a dedicated, devoted, loving father. He is now enjoying paradise with our Lord. God bless him. Amen.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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