Obituaries : Genevieve “Genny” Eileen (Heller) Conklin

Genevieve "Genny" Eileen (Heller) Conklin, 98, Belle Plaine went home to our Lord, on Sunday, October 15, 2023. Genny left this earth from her home in Belle Plaine where she has been lovingly taken care of by her three daughters and dear friend Lindsey, for the past three years.

Genevieve "Genny" Eileen Heller was born Friday, May 15, 1925, at her parent's home in the Honey Creek township outside of Victor, the daughter of John T. and Allie Arminda "Minda" (Coats) Heller. She was the third and youngest child born into this family of all daughters. She moved with her family to Belle Plaine when she was 7 years old. She graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1944. On July 8, 1945, she married Claude Conklin in Belle Plaine at the Bethany Evangelical Church. To this union three daughters and a son were born, Claudia (Jeff) Miner, Atkins; Rita (Dennis) Gallagher, Belle Plaine, Colleen (Doug) Blanchard, Belle Plaine, and Dean Conklin (deceased).

Claude and Genny lived in Belle Plaine. She and Claude raised their four children together. She was an active member of the Christ United Methodist Church. She spent many years participating in Circle and Bible Studies, even completing a study of Revelation with friends in her late eighties. She was the Belle Plaine head Librarian for 28 years and was very active in the local community. She spent more than 90 years within the same block of Belle Plaine. She loved to host family (even well into her 90s) and taught us how to do it well.

She is survived by her three daughters; six grandchildren, Jennifer (D.J.) VanGorder, Center Point; Blake (Grace) Miner, Fort Collins, CO; Denise Gallagher, Cedar Rapids; Chad (Kim) Blanchard, Lisbon; Nick (Tylar) Gallagher, Belle Plaine; Kyle Blanchard, Belle Plaine; and eleven great-grandchildren, Kade, Drake and Zaddek VanGorder; Helena, Lucia, Elisa Miner; Ayla and Nolan Blanchard; Quinlee, Vince and Hudson Gallagher.

Her husband, Claude; beloved son, Dean; parents and sisters preceded her in death and were there with Jesus to greet her in heaven. We know it was a joyous reunion. The Bible says "life is but a mist". We know we will join her in heaven when the Lord calls us home.

Everyone who knew Genny Conklin was blessed. We watched how she loved on our family, her friends, and neighbors. People who knew her wanted more time with her because they felt Jesus' love when they were with her. She left us a legacy of faith. She was full of joy and we loved getting to spend time with her. How blessed are we to have had her in our lives all these years. Our hearts are broken about our temporary separation, but we are deeply thankful for many years of wonderful memories. We are thankful for all the love and care her three daughters gave her over the past three years especially so that she could remain in her home. We are certain this gave us more time with her.

Funeral service is 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service in Belle Plaine, with Pastor Charles Johnson officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine. Memorials may be directed to the Belle Plaine Library. Online condolences may be sent to her family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.