Obituary of "Tonka" Fred E. Conklin

On November 15, 2019 “Tonka” Fred E. Conklin graduated to his eternal home with his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ at his home with family by his side.

Tonka Fred was born November 20, 1948 in Carlinville, Illinois to John & Daisy Mae Conklin.

He married the love of his life on November 30, 1968 and shared 51 amazing years with Marie (Wiese) Conklin.  They married in Carlinville, Illinois at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.  They resided in Carlinville where he sold insurance and played drums in his band.  In 1986 Fred & Marie and children moved to Lake of the Ozarks and purchased their own insurance agency and later became the owner of Tonka Villa Resort in Camdenton, Missouri.

He is the best father and friend in the whole wide world to two children- Son; Blake Conklin; wife Wendy of Camdenton, Missouri.  Daughter; Stacey (Conklin) Patzwald; husband Rich Patzwald of Linn Creek, Missouri.  He is loved & cherished by his 2 grandchildren Jayce “JC” Conklin and Amelia “MeMe” Patzwald.  Both are honored to have him as their Papa.  He will be forever cherished by his niece; Kristina (Mitchell) Wise and nephew; Clint Mitchell and great nieces and nephews.

Preceded in graduation to our eternal home were his parents John & Daisy Mae Conklin, brother Jay W. Conklin and sister Nadine Conklin and many grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends.

Fred had many hobbies and activities.  Most important was serving and testifying for his Lord Jesus Christ.  His “Angel” wife Marie whom he loved with all his being and cherished deeply.  His children & grandchildren who brought him much happiness.  He loved all his church family at Linn Creek Christian Church.  Tonka Fred loved playing drums, going out to listen to bands with Marie, duck hunting with his lifelong buddies, his hunting dogs & Poppy who was always at his side.  He enjoyed going to the auction every Thursday, riding motorcycles and being a member of the CMA, his vehicles which he took much pride in keeping clean and smelling like leather, and spending time with “the gang” of cherished and forever friends of Carlinville, Illinois.  He loved vacationing to St. George Island, Florida to eat seafood, listen to the ocean and being with our Florida family the Segree’s.  He loved chrome; the more the better.  He did not know a stranger and was one of a kind.  He is a true legacy to all who knew and loved him.  He will forever be missed and loved.

A Celebration of life will be from 3:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, November 21, 2019 at Linn Creek Christian Church, 3751 Hwy 54, Linn Creek, MO 65052. There will be a remembrance service at 6:30.  Please come and fellowship and share your memories of Tonka Fred.

Memorials can go to Christian Motorcycle Association: The Butcher Shop ATTN: CMA Fishers of Men, 50 SE Illinois Street, Camdenton, MO 65020 or Linn Creek Christian Church, 3751 Hwy 54, Linn Creek, MO 65052.