Marilyn B. Conklin, 98, of Dubuque passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Bethany Home.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 1199 Main St. Dubuque.  Funeral services will be 3:00 pm at the church.

Marilyn Bernice Steinert was born on November 23, 1927, in Topeka, Kansas, daughter of Helen (Lewis) and Perry Lamont Steinert.  She married Eugene Vincent Conklin II, a medical student at Kansas University, on November 21, 1950. They were blessed to share each other’s love and friendship for almost 62 years.

After his graduation and based on a recommendation from Marilyn’s parents, Eugene and Marilyn chose Dubuque to begin his pediatric practice and raise their family. Eugene chose Medical Associates and together they chose a house on Coates St.  Marilyn loved entertaining and hosting parties at home and the Country Club. The Conklin family traveled frequently to ski, boat and bike and Door County became a favorite destination.  As “empty nesters”, Marilyn and Eugene traveled extensively.

Marilyn enjoyed a very active life playing golf, tennis, bridge, birding, biking, reading, gardening, traveling, needle working and painting. She loved shopping for shoes, clothes and jewelry. She loved finding a deal” and coordinating trending, head to toe ensembles.

Marilyn graduated from the University of Kansas with a BS in journalism.  She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, Tau Sigma, and Gamma Alpha Chi.  After her graduation she became the assistant advertising manager at Sears in Kansas City for two years. After her marriage, she changed jobs and joined Eugene at the KU Medical Center as a secretary for the head of Internal Medicine. While there her children Linda, Michael, and John were born for a significantly reduced fee.

In 1970, she earned a special reading certificate from the Rochester Reading Center which enabled her to teach students with learning disabilities. In 1974, she received her BS in education from Clarke College.  Marilyn served four years on the Minnesota Association for Children with Learning Disabilities Board.  Locally, she served on the YWCA Board and the Dubuque Association for Learning Disabilities.   She was an active member of several groups, including DAR, PEO, the Dubuque County Medical Auxiliary, and the Sunshine Circle.  She also volunteered her time at the Dubuque Arboretum and the Mines of Spain.

For more than 35 years, Marilyn made a significant impact as a teacher-tutor, working in both public and parochial schools, including NICC, to support students with learning disabilities. Her dedication to her students and the field of education was recognized by her peers and the community. She was honored with the Dubuque Association for Children with Learning Disabilities Professional of the Year award.  Additionally, she received the Governor’s Voluntary Award for her work in the Adult Literacy Program.  She was a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, where she served on several boards and taught Sunday school.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Linda (Ted) Murray and her son Michael (Julie) Conklin, 10 grandchildren: Joshua (Sharon) Brack, Adam (Elizabeth) Brack, Bo (Hailey) Brack , Tim (Katie) Conklin, Bryan Conklin, Molly (Aaron) Smith, Alex (Michelle) Klein, Kendra (Tyler) Reinhardt, Spencer (Daniel) Conklin, and Winston Conklin, 16 great grandchildren: Finley Brack, Jackson Brack, Dylan Rose Brack, Connor Brack, Harvey Donald Brack, Grae Brack, Luke Brack, Charlotte Smith, Charlie Smith, Tillie Klein, Teddy Klein, Violet Conklin, Forrest Reinhardt,  Beckham Reinhardt, Carter Conklin and Mackenzie Conklin.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eugene, and her son John.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Dubuque Arboretum, Mercy Hospital or charity of your choice.

Her family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home for their love and care and to Dr. Mark Runde and staff for their care and sense of humor.