Obituary of Mabel Conklin

   Mabel I. Conklin, 90, of Sterling died Friday January 5, 2024 at Citadel Of Sterling surrounded by family. Mabel was born in Stockville NE the daughter of William and Viola (White) Kotschwar. She moved to Farnam NE, attended school there and graduated in May 1950. She moved to Sterling in 1953, where she began working at the Illinois Bell Telephone Company until June of 1957. She married Donald W. Conklin on October 5, 1956.  Mabel then started working for the Illinois Department of Unemployment Security in 1975 until her retirement in 2012. She was a member of Women of The Moose, Sterling IL Chapter 267, CGH Medical Center Auxiliary and she was also a member of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church. Mabel enjoyed gardening, growing vegetables and a variety of flowers. 

   Survivors include two sons Donald (Bridget) Conklin and Chris (Michelle) Conklin of Sterling; two grandchildren Corinne Rippy and Jessica Mangan; three great-grandchildren Madalyn Rippy, Finley Rippy, and Raymond Mangan; one brother Glen Kotschwar of Nebraska; one sister Alice Fickenscher of Arizona .

   Mabel was preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald Conklin;three sisters Jean Henderson,  Bettye Cross, and Gladys Thrasher; three brothers Clyde Kotschwar, Leon Kotschwar, and Tony Kotschwar.

   Visitation will be from 10AM-11AM Wednesday January 10, 2024 at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation. Graveside service to follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.  

   A memorial has been established to Rock River Hospice & Home.

   Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.c