12/17/2025
Donald Joseph “Joe” Conklin, age 89, of Toledo, Ohio, went home to be with his Lord on December 14, 2025, at Genacross Lutheran’s Wolf Creek Campus under hospice care, surrounded by his family.
Joe was born on May 26, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio, to Darrel and Nedra Conklin. He grew up in Toledo, where his father’s service in World War II meant his mother went to work outside the home and his older sister, Pat, helped care for him. Those early years shaped his deep appreciation for family and sacrifice. Joe loved and played many sports as a boy and young man, and he graduated from Woodward High School before earning his degree from the University of Toledo.
Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He spent his professional life as an industrial engineer, most of it with DeVilbiss, where he was known for his steady work ethic and thoughtful approach to solving problems. After taking an early retirement, Joe began what became a beloved second career as a runner for the law firm Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault. For more than 20 years he crisscrossed the city delivering documents and greeting people, making many friends along the way with his gentle smile and kind words.
More than any job title or achievement, Joe was proudest of his wife, his children, and his faith in God. He believed his spiritual gift was mercy, and he lived that out quietly but consistently—visiting those in prison and in nursing homes who needed compassion and a reminder that they were not forgotten. He was kind, gracious, and merciful, a “quiet extrovert” who always seemed to notice who in the room needed encouragement or a listening ear, and who loved making people feel loved.
Joe’s faith was the center of his life. He was an active and devoted member of Holland Free Methodist Church for many years. Over time he taught Sunday School, helped with the Youth Group, led music and congregational singing, participated in many cantatas, and served both on the Church Board and the Pastor’s Cabinet. He was also a co-founder of the radio station WPOS FM, later renamed Proclaim FM, and remained an active board member up until his passing. He was deeply comforted by the hope of heaven and was excited to be reunited with his son Tim and to see his Savior, Jesus, face to face.
A true Toledo sports fan, Joe loved supporting the University of Toledo teams and cheered faithfully for anything being shown on BCSN. He was especially proud to support his granddaughters’ tennis team at Toledo Christian, and he delighted in showing up to cheer others on.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Sue Ellen (Sautter) Conklin; his daughters, Betsy (Trevor) Hurner and Andrea (Jason) Witter; and his cherished grandchildren, Sautter and Ellie Hurner and June and Pearl Witter. He is also remembered by extended family and many dear friends whose lives were touched by his kindness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrel and Nedra Conklin; his sister, Pat Sterns; and his son, Tim Conklin.
Visitation will be held at Walter Funeral Home on Thursday, December 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and at Holland Free Methodist Church on Friday, December 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service, open to all, will be held at Holland Free Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 19. A brief graveside service for family members will follow. All are invited to return to Holland Free Methodist Church for a meal and time of fellowship following the funeral.
Joe’s family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received at Genacross Lutheran’s Wolf Creek Campus and from the Care 360 hospice staff, and for the many prayers and acts of kindness from friends and church family
