C.L. Conklin Jr.

C.L. "LADDIE" CONKLIN JR.

Iowa City

C.L. "Laddie" Conklin Jr., 70, of rural Wabash, Ind., died at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Ind. He was born Aug. 27, 1944, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Irene (Myers) and C.L. "Laddie" Conklin Sr.

Laddie was a 1962 graduate of University High School in Iowa City. After high school, he worked construction and started his own construction company, Conklin Construction. Laddie also was also a special deputy for the Johnson County Sheriff's Department and active in the Johnson County Sheriff's Posse. In the mid-1970s, Laddie sold his construction business and bought Pleasant View Ranch and Livery, where he rented horses out by the hour and held many events.

He was a member of the North Liberty Saddle Club at this time and helped promote the Play Day events at his ranch to help youth learn more about horses and riding. In 1996, Laddie started Lazy L Rodeo and promoted rodeo locally for youth and families to participate in.

Laddie was a retired horse trader and stable owner. In his later years, he enjoyed going to rodeos, auctions and attending his grandson Keegan's activities.

He is survived by his life partner, Rita Honn of Wabash; two children, Tara (Knepp) Lynn of Wabash and Matt Conklin of Denver, Iowa; his grandson, Keegan Knepp of Wabash; and one sister, Carol (Bill) Roberts.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, May 2, 2015, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion, 2349 Mehaffey Bridge Rd. NE, North Liberty. Please come and share your memories with his family.

Preferred memorial is the family of Laddie Conklin for expenses.