Rodney Conklin

Memorial service for Rodney “Rocky” D. Conklin, 57, of Gilbert will be 1 PM Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert with Pastor Bob Graham officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Rocky died Thursday, October 1, 2015 at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth due to injuries sustained in a tragic accident. He was born on September 29, 1958 to Donald and Virginia (Dormanen) Conklin at St. Mary’s in Detroit Lakes . He grew up and attended school in Aurora, Palo, Eveleth and finally Gilbert. Following high school, he was employed by the Stavers Foundry in Virginia. Most of his working career, Rocky was a bartender, having worked for many local establishments including Big Al’s in Gilbert, Giants Pub in Biwabik, Jim’s Seldom Inn in Gilbert and the Gilbert VFW. Most recently, Rocky was employed as a newspaper carrier for Mesabi Daily News. In January 2015, Rocky received the “Perfect Delivery” award for his excellent service, of which he was very proud. Rocky was a sports fan, especially the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Rocky was a fountain of knowledge, commonly referred to by as “The Professor”. He knew many facts and statistics, particularly enjoying learning about history. He also enjoyed watching Jeopardy and answering the questions. Survivors include his father: Donald of Gilbert; siblings: Tammie Johnson of International Falls, Randy (Jill Roy) Conklin of Eveleth, Michele (Jerry) Weyandt of Lino Lakes, MN, and Aaron (Heidi) Conklin of Gilbert; eleven nieces and nephews that he loved dearly: Godson Ryan (Teresa) Johnson, Jorja (Allan) Demuth, Jenna Bloomquist (Billy Boyd), Ranell (Daniel) Erickson, Trevor Conklin, and Logan, Spencer, Rachel, Michael, Emily, and Baylee Weyandt; eight plus one on the way great nieces and nephews; aunt: Joann Eliassen and uncle: Alvin Conklin; and his special buddy: Lucky the Dog. He is loved and will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia (2006); numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; his grandparents: Pearl and Violet Conklin, Jennie Dormanen and Richard Fitch.