Frank LeRoy Conkling

Frank LeRoy Conkling, 97, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, March 7, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Des Moines at the home of his parents, Mark and Olga Conkling, on September 6, 1913. Frank graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended Drake University, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and also attended Iowa State University. He then enrolled in a tailoring school in New York City, and returned to Des Moines where he went into the family business, Conkling’s Glasgow Tailors, selling “made-to-measure” suits to many of Des Moines’ notable leaders, including Ronald Reagan.

Frank and his wife, Marie (Leo), settled at their Norwalk farm in 1949, where they had a wonderful life together tending the land and raising livestock. Frank was also a full-time carpenter for Neumann Bros. Construction Co. for many years and eventually retired from the Des Moines Public School System where he worked in their furniture shop. Frank was married to Marie for over 50 years and enjoyed many things in his life. He was an avid roller skater, worked diligently in his local church, involved in his community by serving on the Norwalk School Board, was a long standing member of the Gideon’s, a master wood-worker, loved sharing God’s message, and was always available whenever family friends needed his help. He has left an amazing legacy of strong faith and dedication for his family to remember him by.

Frank is survived by his brother, Dr. Russell Conkling of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughters, Colet (Jerry) Abramovich, Karen (Jim) Stewart, Sandra (Craig) Patterson; 10 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the Regency Assisted Living/Nursing Home and their caring staff. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Des Moines Christian School. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Services will be on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 12:00 noon at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. A visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. Burial will be at the Masonic Cemetery.

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