William "Dale" Conklin

William “Dale” Conklin, 91, of West Union, passed away Jan. 15, 2013, at Palmer Lutheran Health Center following an extended illness. The family is planning to have a memorial service at a later date.

“Dale” was born March 27, 1921, in Hawkeye, Iowa, to Will and Della (Farr) Conklin. He married Virginia Belle Brandenburg in Waukegan, Ill., and celebrated 70 years of marriage on Nov. 7, 2012. Dale earned a bachelor’s degree at Upper Iowa University and served over three years in the Navy during World War II. He proudly served aboard the Destroyer — USS Herndon.

Dale is survived by his wife, Virginia; three children, Sue (Lyle) Hampton, Prospect Heights Ill., Patricia (Kent) Schuchmann, West Union, and Jill (Scott) Conlon, Sheffield; 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Helen (Harold) Moser, Vernice Marshall and Edith (Ralph) Mann; one daughter, Brenda (Marvin) Shippy; and a grandson, John Hampton.

Dale had been a member of the Alpha United Methodist Church and farmed for 44 years in the Alpha area. His hobbies included sports, fishing, camping, dancing and walking.

Friends are encouraged to give memorial donations in Dale’s name to the Palmer Lutheran Health Center (West Union) or a charity of their choice.

Published Jan. 17, 2013 in The Gazette