i always thought Russ would live forever.....he was a very good doc and a very good person....I enjoyed him more than he knew.
john parks
January 9, 2015
Bill, Jim and Jeff. I worked for your Dad for 18 years, loved every minute of it and have very fond memories of fun we all had in the office. My husband traveled a lot during that time and if Claire was working, he would take Kay and I out to eat. I remember you boys coming to visit at the office. He was a great person and physician. When I would come back to CR, I would once in a while call him and he would come out to Bob Doyle's house and we would have a great visit. He would catch me up to date on you boys and all you were doing. If I had know of this memorial service prior to yesterday, I would have made effort to get up to CR so I could hopefully see you all in person. He was very proud of his boys and grand kids. I know he missed Clarie so much after her sudden death and now they can be together again. My sympathy to you all. I will miss him as a friend and previous "boss".
Susan Maughan (Suz to Dr. C)
January 9, 2015
My name is Polly Hudecek and I was a patient of your dads. My sister Katherine (Kay) Mersch was his office nurse. Kay really enjoyed working for him. She talked about him and your mother Claire with the highest regards. He came to Kay's funeral and at the luncheon we sat together and it was so nice to visit with him. My sympathy to your family.
Polly Hudecek
January 9, 2015
So sorry when I recently learned of his death. I knew him both professional and as a patient. Having read earlier condolences, I agree - he was a kind and caring physician and human being. My sympathy to his family.
Peggy Clarahan
December 1, 2014
To Russ's family,
I am so sorry to learn Russ has passed away. In Newton, he was a good friend to my Uncle George and Aunt Laura Owen. In Cedar Rapids, our family was delighted to have his expertise and warm personality in town. When I would see Russ at Cottage Grove Place, he would light up. What a genuine, caring and delightful human being.
I hope your faith, family and good memories will sustain you at this time. You have indeed lost a treasure.
Julianne Smith
Julianne Smith
November 18, 2014
Jim,Jeff, and Bill. Many fond memories of you guys and your Dad. What a great guy. George Durin and I have reminisced a number of times how the Doc took us to Chicago with you and really lived it up. And then from Chicago to fishing on the Mississippi at Guttenburg. What a great time. 16 oz t-bones every night at the Pink Elephant. Can't hardly do 8oz now. He was always so friendly and personal even in later years when I would bump into him as an adult. I love you guys and always think of you. I wish you the very best in this new transition. Bob Gleason
Bob Gleason
November 17, 2014
Dr. Conkling was a kind and caring man. I knew him from my years working on the general surgical floor at Mercy. As a nurse I appreciated how he treated his patients with compassion, dignity and good care. I ran into him about a year ago after not having seen him for a number of years. He was so sweet and it was so nice to talk and catch up with him if only for a few minutes. My sympathy to his family.
Sara Todd
November 16, 2014
Dear Bill "perch" or was it just "fish" and Jim and family. Jane and I loved your Dad and always enjoyed being with him and also you two, particularly on our Minnesota summer vacations. You were very fortunate to have had him in your lives for such a long time. Jane and I are both in our 90's, but still skiing and golfing, etc., but we will be taking the journey he has just taken soon. When we do, we both want to be with him again. We wish all of you the very best.
Bill and Jane Bergman
Bill and Jane Bergman
November 16, 2014
Dr. Russ Conkling became my colleague and friend when I came to Cedar Rapids in 1974 as a pediatrician. We worked in the same office building and he was my go-to surgeon for general surgery on my patients. He was always available and made children and their parents feel comfortable in his care. Looking as his photo, I remember the charming man who was so kind, caring and capable. My sympathy to his family with hopes that these qualities live on in your lives.
Dr. Julianne Thomas
November 16, 2014
My heart is broken after hearing about the loss of Doc. He was a regular customer at the Starlite Room, we all grew to love him. To Russell's family, he was a great man, thank you guys for bringing him in after he could no longer drive. We're really gonna miss him! He will always have a place in our hearts! - Ashley Meierotto
Ashley Meierotto
November 16, 2014
To the family and friends of Dr. Conkling : Your father was a wonderful surgeon and colleague to multidisciplinary caregivers . His expertise and commitment to our sacred profession of health care saved many lives within the Cedar Rapids community and surrounding community hospitals . With blessings and prayer -- Sr.Maurita
Sister Maurita Soukup, RSM, RN
November 16, 2014
We mourn with you the loss of such a special gentleman and servant of the highest order.
As you know he was a resident of Crystal Estates....a neighbor just around the corner.
I have forwarded the obituary to our Crystal Estates people.
It was a privilege to serve him at the time of Claris's sudden death. We have kept in touch
with him since, visiting him probably once a month or more since he moved there. The last
several weeks have been very difficult for him as you will know. It has been a privilege to
count him as a friend.....at one time he sewed up two of my fingers when I sliced off the tips of
them....they have turned out great....Mary knew him also as she was a nurse at St. Luke's
Hospital. We both send our sympathy and prayers to all of you. You are blessed by a special
heritage.
Rev. Lloyd E.Brockmeyer
Rev. Lloyd E.Brockmeyer
November 14, 2014
I am very saddened, about Russ's passing. He was so kind and caring, and may his memory shine forever.
Pamela
November 12, 2014
Jeff and family. So sorry for your loss. How wonderful to have lived so long and have had the opportunity to
experience so much in a life.
Karol Heppe
November 12, 2014