White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Carroll George Conklin, 91, of Independence, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 27, 2020.  Carroll was born on January 20, 1929, at the family home located on the curve near Winthrop, Iowa.  He was the son of George and Alta (Deke) Conklin.  Carroll graduated from Independence High School in 1948.  He participated in football, basketball and track.  Carroll’s football achievements included the All-WaMac team, the Iowa Daily Press Association’s all-state football team and the Des Moines Register all-state team as a senior.

Carroll met the love of his life, Marian Alice Jackson, while in high school.  They were married at the Little Brown Church on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950.   Carroll and Marian were blessed to recently celebrate 70 years of marriage.

Carroll farmed east of town and painted for Conklin Decorating.  After retiring in 1990, he worked part-time for ‘Pete’ Peters and remodeled homes for many years.

Carroll was a member of First Presbyterian Church and served for over ten years on the Buchanan County Conservation Board.  He always wanted to own timberland, so planted over 2000 trees on his farm and created his own.  Carroll could repair anything, spent time building and refinishing furniture and had a passion for restoring antique cars.

Carroll is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marian, five children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandsons, with the ninth arriving this summer.  His children include Julie (Mike) Rokes of Dike, Gwen (Dean) Paulsen of Waverly, Kirk (Luann) Conklin of Strawberry Point, Craig (Deb) Conklin of Aiken, South Carolina and Chris (Steve) Morine of Reinbeck.  Grandchildren include Jenny (Scott) Connolly, Matthew (Jenna) Rokes, Ali (Jake) Collins, Brad (Lauren) Conklin, Christie (Cody) Bilharz and Michaela (Ryan Lansing) Conklin.  Great-grandchildren are Noah, Ryder, Parker and Bennett Connolly, Camden and Emerson Rokes, Asher Conklin and baby due this summer and Cruz Collins.

Carroll was a devoted husband and family man.  He spent countless hours planning holiday adventures and exciting outdoor activities for his children and grandchildren.  Carroll was the master of games and riddles, with everyone wondering what he had planned for the next family escapade.

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Conklin.

Private family services will be held, with a celebration of life scheduled at a later date.

Memorials can be sent to the family or given to the Buchanan County Conservation Board, Cedar Valley Hospice or First Presbyterian Church.