Obituary of Deanna Conkling

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.  Let us remember with thanksgiving what the Lord has done through His servant Dee.

Deanna Louise Conkling was giving life by her creator and was born on March 27, 1951, the child of Percy Blaine Gunderson and Edna Louise Gunderson (Kesselring).  On June 22, 1951, she received the gift of Holy Baptism and became a child of God.  On July 18, 1965 she publicly confessed her faith and was confirmed.  She received the precious gift of the Lord’s life-giving body and blood.  On September 20, 1975 Dee received the gift of the love of her life in her husband of 42 years, Daniel Conkling.  She was blessed with the gift of her 3 beautiful daughters who she loved and adored, Laura, Donna and Heather.  The Lord blessed Dee’s life with many special people as she served God with her special gifts at home, church, work and the community.  Finally, on September 24, 2017 the Lord called Dee home to rest in the arms of Jesus.  We give thanks to God our Father for our sister in Christ, Dee.

Dee was one of six children.  She attended Gunderson Country School from 1957 – 1965.  The duration of her school years were spent in Chamberlain, SD where she later graduated high school in 1969.  Dee had fond memories of Pickeral Lake Bible Camp where her and her dear friend were led to the alter call and received Jesus as their personal savior in 1964.  Her passion and gift of caring for others began when she became a candy striper in 1967.  In 1968 she joined the DECA program for nurses’ aid.  Upon graduation from high school, she attended St. Mary’s LPN Nursing School in Pierre, SD.  Dee made many wonderful friends and memories during her nursing career in Yankton, SD at HSC and Sacred Heart Hospital.

Once she married the love of her life, Dan and they started their family, she transferred her love and care for patients to her family.  Her unconditional, selfless love was her greatest gift as a proud wife, mother and grandmother.

Dan and Dee spend 42 years together building a beautiful, unshakable foundation.  Dee was so proud of Dan’s accomplishments in the family business.  Together they enjoyed hosting many birthdays, 4th of July, Christmas and Super Bowl parties.  They created many wonderful memories, deer hunting and fishing together.  Dee was a great party planner, baker, chef, caretaker and listener.  She loved being a part of Stephen Ministry and countless bible studies.

Dee loved and adored her family and countless friends.  Her greatest joy was being an incredible grandmother and doting over her “honey pies”, Kade, Elsie, Elijah and De’Ana.  Not a day went by that Dee didn’t do something to make somebody feel special.  Her home was always filled with homemade goodies, music, great conversation and lots of love.  Whether it was through balloons and flowers, a care package, a shoulder to cry on or a hug, she knew exactly what to do to make you feel loved and special.  Nothing was left unsaid; she made sure you left her presence feeling loved.  Her children and grandchildren are honored to carry on her legacy of unconditional love and kindness.

Dee is survived by the love of her life, her husband, Daniel Conkling of Yankton, SD; her daughters:  Laura (Heath) Larson of Yankton, SD, Donna Conkling and fiance’, Anthony Jacobs of Columbia, SC, Heather Conkling of Yankton, SD; her beloved four grandchildren:  Kade, Elsie and Elijah Larson and De’Ana Conkling; her mother, Edna Gunderson of Chamberlain, SD; brothers, Dennis (Kay) Gunderson and Dave (Gail) Gunderson; sisters:  Dayle (Mike) Chilson, Donna (Donnie) Dominiack, Dori (Bart) Krenke, all of Chamberlain, SD; many nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends.

Dee was preceded in death by her father, Percy Gunderson; her mother-in-law, Charlotte Conkling and her father-in-law, John Conkling. 

Please join the family in a celebration of Dee’s life at Dan and Dee’s farmhouse following the burial, 26474 349th Avenue, Chamberlain, SD  57325 (approximately 3 miles from the cemetery).  Everyone is welcome.