I learned of Tom's death only on November 3. I would meet with him occasionally to discuss various issues. I found him easy to talk with and work with. We had a lot of laughs together. It was shocking to me when I inquired about him from someone in Saginaw. Nov. 3 was a sad day for me. Blessings and Peace to all Tom's family and friends.

A candle was lit by Susie & Bernie Uehlein on October 17, 2017 6:39 PM

Message from Follow the Child Montessori School

October 2, 2017 11:28 AM

Dear Kim, all of your friends at FCM are thinking of you during this difficult time. A donation was made to the East Side Soup Kitchen in honor of your father. Sending good thoughts your way.

Message from Kim Conklin

November 6, 2017 12:47 PM

Thank you so much!

Message from Rita Bouwman

September 30, 2017 9:53 AM

My condlences to the Tom Conklin family. I had the honor of teaching at St. Vincent home for 3 years while Tom was at the helm. His caring, support and humor was just what was needed to work in that sometime difficult situation. I also had the good fortune to know the Conklin family being from Owosso. My mother, Mary Holleran Pendergast, had known Tom's parents growing up in Owosso. Tom was a truly wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss.

Message from Richard Rosenmeier

September 28, 2017 6:36 PM

You were such a wonderful person and most of all friend. Great memories of our Woodward Cruise in that convertible you loved so much. You are sadly missed but never, my friend, will you be forgotten.

A candle was lit by Richard and Rosalie Rosenmeier on September 28, 2017 6:28 PM

Message from Richatd Cross

September 28, 2017 4:48 PM

As Tom's former seminary professor and devoted admirer, I wish to send my deep sympathy to Tom's beloved family at this terrible loss. He was a prince among men, a dedicated Christian and devoted to his clients and their well-being. Now that he has, in the words of the poet, "slipped the surly bonds of earth," Tom has "reached out and touched the face of God."

" Living unreservedly in life's duties, problems, successes and failures through his vocation in life, he is now in the arms of God, always taking seriously the sufferings our world, and watching with Christ in Gethsemane." (Dietrich Bonhoeffer.)

Rest in Peace, Brother.

Expression of Sympathy

An A GARDEN PATH was sent on September 27, 2017

Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all. Love, Jodi and Bob Cooper (Weersma)

A candle was lit by Jodi and Bob Cooper on September 27, 2017 5:19 PM

Expression of Sympathy

A GARDEN PATH was sent on September 27, 2017

Mr. Aaron, Coach Aubrey, Max, Morgan and Matt. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this hard time. We are sending love, hugs and smiles your way. Love, All of your friends at BPES Running Club

Message from So very sorry for your loss.

September 27, 2017 8:39 AM

Gail Schnurstein

A candle was lit by Darian Carey on September 27, 2017 12:15 AM

A candle was lit by Lisa Coney on September 26, 2017 11:08 PM

Message from Fr Rick Bokinskie

September 26, 2017 11:07 PM

To Tom's family,
Know of my prayers and thoughts at this difficult time. Tom was such a gift to the Diocese of Saginaw. I enjoyed the many times we had the opportunity to work together. He will truly be missed. May he rest in peace.

Message from Terry Hansen (Aaron's coworker)

September 26, 2017 10:55 PM

Aaron, you have my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with your and your family.

Message from Rejeana Heinrich

September 26, 2017 8:48 PM

Dear Kathy and Family,
Offering my deep sympathy.
Hugs, Rejeana

Message from John & Yvonne Griffin

September 26, 2017 5:57 PM

Susie & Family
So very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I still have the beautiful letter that he sent us at the time of our son, Jimmy's death. Ed had passed earlier so Tom was able to send a much needed comfort to John & I, having experienced a similar grief with you & your family. A wonderful man, gone too soon. Our thoughts are with you.
My Bon..

Message from Sue & Bernie Uehlein

October 5, 2017 2:08 PM

Hi My Yon,
Thank you so much for your kind note. I have never experienced the loss of a child. Thank God! But as you have experienced this all this with the losses in your family, it is so good to have all of the love, prayers, & support from all of those that are here for us!!!! This is so important & we have to be here for each other!
Love,
Susie (aka) your Yon

Message from Mark Richardson

September 26, 2017 2:36 PM

Kathy and family: I am very sorry to learn that Tom has passed away. I never had the privilege of meeting him, but heard great things about him. Your faith will provide solace as will the many memories you will have to cherish. With best wishes,

Mark

Expression of Sympathy

A GARDEN PATH was ordered on September 26, 2017

Message from Rick and Mary Wallace Goedert

September 26, 2017 1:45 PM

Kathy.......I know how hard this is, and I also know how important it is to know that your friends care about you.
We'll be thinking about you......Mary and Rick

A candle was lit by Patty Reynolds on September 26, 2017 12:11 PM

Kathy, Family, Community of Faith; I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was an inspiration to others through his words of wisdom, compassion, actions and his laughter. It was a honor to work with him. He was truly a Faithful Servant of our Lord. He will be missed by all who knew him. Peace Be With You, In You, Around You, Love As Tom did, Prayers for all of you grieving at this time.

Message from Linda Featherstone

September 26, 2017 11:16 AM

Dear Tom's family.... I had the opportunity to know Tom when he came to our agency (Catholic Social Services of the U.P.) back in 2009. He assisted our agency in making recommendations to get back on track. I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. He was a good man. God Bless you and comfort you.

Expression of Sympathy

A SPATHIPHYLLUM was ordered on September 26, 2017

Expression of Sympathy

A FEATHERY PALM PLANT was sent on September 26, 2017

I hope that you receive comfort in the fact that Tom touched many lives. Lisa

A candle was lit by Mary Thompson on September 25, 2017 10:18 PM

I am very sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Conklin for my social work 100 class at CMU. I learned a lot from and he was always kind. My prayers go out to you at this time but I pray that you find comfort in the impact he had on many of us!!

A candle was lit by Edie Lienczewski on September 25, 2017 9:35 PM

Message from David & Tammy Bernier, Terry & Leslie Duperon, The Duperon Corporation

September 25, 2017 9:29 PM

Kathy & family,

With deepest regret for your loss... your love for Tom is truly a gift that honors the contribution he made and the legacy he leaves. Praying for God's Grace to comfort you and enfold you. With love, Tammy & David Bernier, Terry & Leslie Duperon, and all your friends at Duperon Corporation

Message from Jodi Wasik

September 25, 2017 9:21 PM

Sending my love and prayers to my dear friend Angie and the entire family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Expression of Sympathy

A TROPICAL DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was sent by Timothy and Cather Liu on September 25, 2017

Expression of Sympathy

A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was ordered on September 25, 2017

A candle was lit by Deborah Wiley on September 25, 2017 6:29 PM

A candle was lit by Theresa K. and Dan Roberts-Hummel on September 25, 2017 5:28 PM

Message from Mary and Michael Malloy

September 25, 2017 3:40 PM

Michael and I are holding all of you, and all of Tom's coworkers and friends, in prayer. Our remembrance of Tom can be summed up in one word - WELCOME. When we were new to Saginaw, Tom and Kathy reached out to us and helped us to feel so very much at home. In the workplace Tom was an encourager, a helper, a great spiritual companion, and a wonderful friend. I feel so very, very blessed that Tom took the time on his recent "eclipse travels" to stop and share dinner and time together. Our conversation picked up as though it had only been a few days since we last saw each other. What a gift! We'll miss Tom's presence in our lives. And won't we all miss Tom's presence in the Church and in the world? Prayers and blessings - Mary

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. . . . Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:35-36,40

Expression of Sympathy

An A GARDEN PATH was ordered on September 25, 2017

Message from Bob and Rose Burns

September 25, 2017 2:13 PM

We always loved Tom's warm, kind and friendly personality. So sorry to learn of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Message from Fran Denny

September 25, 2017 2:06 PM

Dear Kathy and family,
My heart goes out to you. Tom was a wonderful man and he's had to leave us too soon, it seems. God grant you graces, comfort and peace during this time of mourning and adjustment.
I first worked with Tom about 27 years ago. He joined us on the MCC Social Policy Committee about that time. We also were in a Catholic Charities Directors of MI group. I so enjoyed his wit, his focus and his intelligence which he brought to our work. He was a man of faith and was humble, willing to do what our Lord wanted and wait for a sign.
I've been retired since Dec 2015 and I've missed working with Tom and our colleagues through MCC.
Eternal rest grant to Tom, Lord.
With deepest sympathy,
Fran Denny

Message from Jerry and Kay Stephens

September 25, 2017 12:34 PM

Our condolences to Kathy and the family. Tom will be remembered as a kind, caring and giving man. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, dear Tom.

Message from Joan Lentner Cramer

September 25, 2017 12:29 PM

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He was a wonderful man, friend and counselor. He spent many, many hours with my mom counseling her during various stages of dementia until her death. He even came to her home when she could no longer get out. A beautiful glass angel he made her hangs above her chair in the living room even though she has been gone four years. Kathy and family - I will keep you in my prayers. May the Angels welcome you to Paradise. I'm sure my mom was waiting for you.

Message from julie.cutter@doc.org

September 25, 2017 12:13 PM

I am deeply saddened at the death of Tom. I have appreciated his dedication to service of those most in need and his Vincentian spirit! How providential that he will be remembered on the Feast of St. Vincent, September 27. I join you in thanking God for his life. Be assured of my prayers as you grieve. Sister Julie

Message from Mary Vogelpohl, St. Dominic Parish

September 25, 2017 12:12 PM

Tom had a great sense of humor. He could take problems and turn them around so we could grow beyond them. May the angles welcome him to paradise.

Expression of Sympathy

A SHADES OF ELEGANCE was sent on September 25, 2017

Our deepest condolences from the Department of Sociology Anthropology and Social Work at Central Michigan University. Tom was a valued teacher, colleague and friend and will be sorely missed by his students and our faculty and staff. Peace, from SASW

Message from Birch Run, MI

September 25, 2017 10:22 AM

We send our condolences knowing that Tom has reached his Eternal life and we are better for having known him. Rest in peace, Tom, you are already missed.

-Ray & Veronica Strudgeon

A candle was lit by Karen Gillard at MedSpec Billing.. on September 25, 2017 10:04 AM

Message from Thaoms A. Matuszewski

September 25, 2017 10:02 AM

Kathy and family......my deepest sympathies to you on Tom's early passing. I was at Saint Paul's with Tom, knew Tom well. When you live with someone day in and day out for six years, you become family. Tom was one of the most kind and caring people I knew. Everyone respected and loved Tom. He will be truly missed by family especially. My prayers are with you all at this most special time. I join you in celebrating a wonderful life lived. Tom touched the lives of many.

Message from Dan Meyer

September 25, 2017 9:58 AM

This quiet man, out of the days of the giants at SPS...
After we stand together beside Tom and you, his family, crying and maybe raging for not being there,
when all that's left of this beloved guy is love itself,
keep in mind that we love you for giving him away, by living the way he loved:
hand to hand, soul to soul, heart to heart. In that, Tom is always present with us.

Expression of Sympathy

An A GARDEN PATH was ordered on September 25, 2017

A candle was lit by Holly Lawson on September 25, 2017 9:22 AM

Message from Jean Toner

September 25, 2017 12:11 AM

My deepest sympathy to all of Tom's family. I am grateful to have known him at CMU. He was a gifted teacher and social worker, and made a difference in the lives of many. And Tom made me laugh - a gift in and of itself.

Message from Honora Remes

September 24, 2017 8:47 PM

Dearest Kathy, Adam, Aaron, Amy, Angie, and all relatives and friends.
My heart is filled with sadness, thanksgiving, and love for all of you. Tom made me laugh, groan, wonder, delight, and remain full of thanksgiving for his energy and heart for those in need. He was a magnet for the Daughter of Charity Affiliates of our Saginaw city and larger U.S. environs. He and Kathy were so generous in sharing their home and news of their amazing children. I tried to send a photo of Tom and DC Saginaw affiliates via this site, but I didn't get the site directions, so will send it directly to you, Kathy. You are one great woman and much of who Tom became takes credit from you! All our Sisters are praying for the whole Conklin Family . Love, prayer, Honora DC

Message from John & Mary Beth Reiber

September 24, 2017 8:36 PM

Sending our Sympathy to the entire Conklin Family. Remembering all in our prayers.

A candle was lit by Lynn Klammer on September 24, 2017 7:36 PM

Message from Lynn Marie-Ittner Klammer

September 24, 2017 7:36 PM

I met Tom back when I worked at the Diocese in the 90's. We kept in touch sporadically. When I think of him, the words "kind" and "professional" come to mind. He was clearly a wonderful guy, always quick with a smile, intelligent conversationalist and always willing to help in any way he could with whatever issue or project was currently the topic of interest. He was also clearly a man of faith, who lived that faith in his daily life. I feel blessed to have known him. He will certainly be missed. My sympathy to Tom's family.

Message from from DAVID AND MARIANNE SUTTER

September 24, 2017 7:03 PM

TOM WILL BE MISSED ALOT ! WE LOVED TOM VERY MUCH! GREAT MAN OF GOD! OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF YOU! GOD BLESS!

Message from Dave & Deanna Zalba

September 24, 2017 3:38 PM

We are truly saddened at Tom's passing. On our behalf and on behalf of all his SPS classmates - class of '67 - who knew and loved Tom, we offer our sincere condolences to the entire Conklin family!

A candle was lit by Judy Lynch on September 24, 2017 2:26 PM

A candle was lit by John and Marilyn Gunther on September 24, 2017 11:34 AM

Message from Mary Drexler

September 24, 2017 10:43 AM

Anne - thinking of you and your family. Prayers for peace and strength.

Message from Anne Winiarski

September 25, 2017 12:51 PM

Mary, thanks so much for your message of sympathy! It's truly appreciated. Anne, Bill and the entire Conklin family

Message from E Mira New York

September 24, 2017 10:38 AM

Adam and Kim I'm praying for your family I'm so sorry I can't be there for you. God bless you love you Lois cleary

A candle was lit by Ciara Powell on September 24, 2017 2:52 AM

A candle was lit by Rosemary and Ray Rowland on September 24, 2017 1:20 AM

Message from Judy Hornak

September 23, 2017 11:03 PM

Dear Sue & famly are so,sorry for the loss of your brother, thinking
Of you with love, prayers & hugs
Ken & Judy Hornak

Message from The Cimbolic Family

September 23, 2017 8:26 PM

We Love you Uncle Adam...so sorry about your dad

A candle was lit by The Cimbolic Family on September 23, 2017 8:25 PM

A candle was lit by Mary on September 23, 2017 4:45 PM

A candle was lit by ED REHMANN & SONS on September 23, 2017 3:22 PM

Message from Jeff Sivyer

September 23, 2017 2:03 PM

How deeply saddened I was to learn of Tom's passing! Tom was a very special man and a servant of the most high God. He placed his trust in me and drew out of me the very best I could be while at Catholic Family Service. I loved to make him laugh and enjoyed his quick wit. Kathy be assured that I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time - I look forward to seeing Tom again someday!

Message from Joyce Tithof

September 23, 2017 12:27 PM

So sorry for the loss of your father, brother, and uncle.

Message from Joanne Dana

September 23, 2017 12:05 PM

Tom was a great guy and will be greatly missed. Over the many years that I have known him, no matter how busy he was, he would always take the time to share a conversation. My sympathy to his family. He was so excited to see the eclipse a few weeks ago, now he is seeing the true Son!

A candle was lit by Richard & Diana Hosner on September 23, 2017 11:33 AM

Message from Larry & Joanne Princinsky

September 23, 2017 10:16 AM

So sorry for your loss, keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers, with sincere sympathy, Larry & Joanne.

Message from Anne Winiarski

September 23, 2017 11:28 AM

Thanks so much, Larry and Joanne! Anne, Bill and the entire Conklin family

A candle was lit by Larry & Joanne Princinsky on September 23, 2017 10:14 AM

Message from Fran and Joe Levatino

September 23, 2017 9:20 AM

Sorry for your loss.

A candle was lit by The McFarlan Family on September 23, 2017 9:15 AM