Darwin McConkie

Darwin McConkie, 84, a resident of Shell Lake, formerly of Maple, Wis., and Royal Oak, Mich., died on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, at the Benedictine Living Center of Spooner.

Darwin Leroy McConkie was born on Dec. 27, 1927, in Belding, Mich. to parents Tracy and Winifred (Thompson) McConkie. He attended the General Motors High School and later the General Motors Institute in Detroit. Darwin served in the United States Army at the end of WWII and was stationed in Alaska for a time. On March 9, 1955, he was united in marriage to Ruth Ketola in Maple, Wis. Later he continued his education at Wayne State University in Detroit earning a Master’s Degree in Computer Analysis. The couple lived in Royal Oak, Mich. until Darwin’s retirement from Fischer Body, a division of GM, after 42 years, as an industrial engineer. They built a home in Maple and in July of 2011, the couple moved to Shell Lake. Darwin was a member of the Lakeside Baptist Church in South Range, was a student of the Bible, taught Sunday School, was an avid reader and traveler. He also worked with AARP as an Income Tax Preparer in Douglas County for several years.

Darwin is survived by his wife Ruth of Shell Lake, Wis., formerly of Maple, Wis., daughters; Ruth Ann Dickerson of Johannesburg, South Africa, Nancy (Gerald) Graham of Trego, Wis., grandchildren: Lynn Jon (Kirsten) Dickerson of Boston, Mass., Lisa (John Paul) Castel of South Africa, Gina Graham of Trego, Wis., and sister Frances Bower of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents Tracy and Winifred McConkie and daughter Marty McConkie.

A memorial service for Darwin McConkie will be held on Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. the Lakeside Baptist Church in South Range (Wentworth, WI).

Tags: obituaries

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Mary S.
Billings, MT 12/26/2012 10:35 AM

Ruth and family, so sorry to hear about your loss. I did not know you moved, family seems to not keep in touch like the old days before facebook and cell phones. I will aways remember Darwin being out in a thunder and rain storm when Mom's ashes were spread. With deepest sympathies and Gods' blessing, may the perpetual light shine on Darwin. Cousin, Mary and family.

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Dan E.
Chisholm, MN 12/19/2012 11:15 PM

Dear Ruth and McConkie family, A very much wish I could be at the Memorial service for Darwin, but it looks like other responsibilities will keep me here in Chisholm that day. I will always have very good memories of Darwin--his keen mind, gentle spirit, love for God and His Word, and his commitment to the church of Jesus Christ. It was a honor to serve with him at Lakeside for those years. May the Lord comfort and encourage each you, and may the glorious hope of the resurrection fill you with joy, even in the midst of your grief. In His love always, Pastor Dan (and Nancy) Erickson

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