Age 77, lost his dauntless battle with cancer on Friday October 24th, 2025. Cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Stanford’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.

John was born in Sussex, Wantage, New Jersey and finished his journey at his home in Oxford, Michigan. John was an expert in well drilling and worked tirelessly at a career at Bellinger Well Drilling for many years. He was a man that completely loved nature. There were many long days that he came home from work in his red pick-up truck with a toad or a garter snake for his youngest kids to marvel at before turning it loose. Camping was a favorite family pastime for many years, from tents to pop-out campers, and always came with nighttime animal watching. Any NatGeo or Nature show about animals would do, particularly birds. John had a very special relationship with his dogs, especially Dory. Fishing has always been a celebrated Conklin hobby and John’s love for it was no exception. It is a love he instilled in his children, as well. Working on cars and building things were also a must; John prided himself on always having or finding that exact item needed to get the job done. He loved a good bottle of beer and a great game of Keno; 2 and 22 were his Keno numbers. John loved great shows and movies such as, The Big Bang Theory and Wedding Crashers. John loved road trips and adventures, such highlights include; cross-country road trips, fishing in Lake Michigan, seeing Paul Macartney in concert, fishing on the boardwalk in Caseville, and a bucket-list trip to Hawaii.

Loving father of Zachary (Sanne Horemans), Alexander, Cassandra (Chase Tucker), Lisa, David (Donna), and Michael. Proud and loving Grandfather of Henry. Cherished long-term boyfriend of Sharyl Lee.

John was preceded in death by his parents Francis Ellis Conklin and Marietta (Smith) Conklin, his wife Christine Conklin, his son Steven J. Conklin, and all of his siblings: Francis Ellis Jr., Gary, and Barbara Jean. Also preceded in death by his beloved dog Dory.

In keeping with John’s wishes there will be no funeral services.