Craig Conkling 1948 - 2019

Craig Leslie Conkling, age 70, passed away early Saturday morning, June 22, 2019 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa due to ascites inflammation leading to pneumonia.

Craig was born December 10, 1948 to Alvin and Pauline Conkling in Council Bluff, Iowa. He was a 1968 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where the senior yearbook was dedicated to Craig. In 1974, he graduated from John F. Kennedy College in Wahoo, Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science, Psychology. In 1978, he received a State of Iowa Nursing Home Administrator license.

From 1978 to 1996, Craig held various nursing home administrative positions in Iowa and Front Range, Colorado. In 1996, Craig, along with his life partner, Paul, opened and operated Faces, Ltd., Des Moines, Iowa. The business discontinued operations in mid-2006 due to early stages of Craig’s long-term illness, MS.

Craig enjoyed photography, being with his family and friends. He felt that family came first. Photography selections will be displayed during his Celebration of Life.

Craig is survived by Paul Cordell, life partner of 39 years; brother Richard (Al) Conkling and wife Pam, Badger, IA; brother Doug Conkling and wife Gayle, Herman, NE; niece Stacy Cassell and children Joshua and Christian, Alexa, KS; niece Robin Wooster and husband Stuart and children Tyre and Ethan, Portland, ME; nieces Beth Conkling and Kristi Conkling, Omaha, NE; niece Alissa Gorgone and husband Anthony, Hampton, VA; and nephew Patrick Dostal, Greenville, NC.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Conkling; mother, Pauline Conkling; and step-mother, Mary Conkling.

Special recognition goes to Wesley Acres/Wesley Life Hospice medical and support staff for the compassionate care provided to Craig during his remaining months of life.

Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed immediately by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street Des Moines. Pastor Scott Paczkowski, Westminster Presbyterian Church, will officiate the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the ARL or Wesley Acres/Wesley Life Hospice.

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