Harold "Harry" Lee Conklin was born on July 23, 1942, to Cole and Berniece (Buus) Conklin in the home of his grandmother Buus in Lennox, SD. He passed away peacefully due to complications from dementia on January 24, 2025, in Vermillion, SD.

Harry was raised in rural Worthing, SD, where he helped and worked at the Conklin family station. During his high school years, he was an avid athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated from Lennox High School in 1960. On June 7, 1963, he married the love of his life, Karen Carnes. Together, they shared a beautiful life and raised two children, Pamela and Corey.

After high school, Harry worked in Sioux Falls for Pete's Garage and Fenn's Brother Ice Cream—a job that indulged his lifelong love of ice cream, which he enjoyed even the day before he passed away. Harry attended Sioux Falls College, earning his teaching certificate while working nights driving for a courier dispatch company to Mankato, MN, and attending classes during the day. He graduated from college in 1972 and began his teaching career in Chancellor, SD. There, he taught middle school social studies, served as the building principal, and coached numerous sports. Harry was particularly proud of the many Chancellor athletes who earned the Presidential Physical Fitness Award under his guidance.

In 1979, Harry moved to Beresford, SD, to run Truck Towne alongside his brother Mike and parents. After Truck Towne's closure in 1990 and the conclusion of another venture, Conklin's Family Restaurant in 1994, Harry began driving for a courier dispatch company to Aberdeen, SD, four nights a week. Never one to sit idle, Harry also worked at the Beresford Golf Course, Wass Funeral Home, and as a substitute teacher in Beresford Schools. His warmth and love for people made him a natural in these roles.

Harry was a dedicated family man and a passionate sports fan. He loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events, cheering on Pamela as she coached basketball, taking Green Bay Packers trips with Corey, and traveling to NCAA Men's Basketball tournaments with his brother Mike and many friends from Beresford. He and Karen treasured their trips to the Black Hills, earning Harry the nickname "Mr. Black Hills" for his uncanny ability to find hidden gems off the beaten path. Harry also enjoyed annual summer trips to Okoboji with family and friends as part of his bowling team—a tradition filled with laughter and stories that became legendary. Harry and Karen also traveled with close friends Larry and Tami Orr to destinations like Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Cody, Wyoming, often to attend gun shows. The entire Conklin family cherished unforgettable trips together to Hawaii and Arizona, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Harry's hobbies reflected his curious and vibrant spirit. He loved playing cards, golfing, bowling, stamp collecting, genealogy, and photographing cemeteries and the countryside. He was an avid reader, a crossword puzzle enthusiast, and a lover of music and parties. Harry especially cherished happy hours and dancing with Karen; their last dance was at a Valentine's Day party in 2024.

Harry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Karen Conklin; his parents, Cole and Berniece Conklin; and his brother, Keith Conklin. He is survived by his daughter Pamela (fiancé Tom) of Burbank, SD; his son Corey (Lynnette) of Chandler, AZ; his grandchildren (Brenden, Courtney, and Daniel); his brother Mike (Deb); sister-in-law Mary Conklin: nieces and nephews; and countless friends who were touched by his kindness and larger than life smile and laugh.

The family extends special thanks to the Vermillion Care Center and  Asera Care Hospice, particularly Jamie and Macie, for the wonderful care provided to Harry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a local charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life for Harold "Harry" Lee Conklin will be held in the summer of 2025.