David W Conklin

David W Conklin

Cape Coral, Florida

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Conklin, who left us on January 18, 2025. He was a beloved Son, Brother, Husband, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Friend to many.

Born in Waterloo, Iowa on May 7, 1934, to Carrol and Helen (Burnell) Conklin, Dave spent his formative years in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa, attended the University of Iowa, and proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Roy O’ Hale in the Atlantic and North Sea.

Dave embarked on a sales career in the heavy equipment field and eventually landed his long sought-after position selling Caterpillar for Altorfer Machinery Company, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was known for his dedication, fairness, and straight shooting, earning him an Outstanding Salesman award in 1974. Dave's professional accomplishments with Altorfer were many over 32 years, his proudest being making lifelong friends of colleagues and customers alike and being able to say he “never worked a day in his life.” He felt his time selling Cat machinery was never work, only fun.

After retirement, Dave moved to Cape Coral, Florida where he enjoyed his love of boating, earning his captain’s license and exploring the Gulf of Mexico with many new and old friends, and family. He eventually was able to live out a dream, calling his Hatteras motor yacht home for 11 years in Guntersville, Alabama. He returned to Cape Coral for his final years, enjoying his passion for clocks and clock collecting, tinkering, polishing, and winding his favorites, and instilling a love for clocks with his children and grandchildren alike.

Dave married Marilu (Rose) in 1960 and in their 48 years together, raised three wonderful Children: Brad (Terri), Angi (Dan Baer), and Cady (Scott Patterson). He was also a proud Grandfather to Cody and Kyle Conklin, as well as his Great-grandchildren Jackson and Leo Conklin. Dave is survived by his sister Deb (Fred) Hileman, along with their family. He was preceded in death by his parents Carrol and Helen, his wife Marilu, and his beloved poodle Daisy.

Dave was a kind, generous, strong-willed man loved by many, and will be missed every evening at cocktail hour by most. Rest in peace, Dad. Your spirit will last in our memories and hearts forever.

Family and friends will gather for a celebration of life later this year. Tributes may be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa Florida.