Shirley Ann Conklen

Shirley Ann Conklen, 78, of Sterling passed away Tuesday October 28, 2025 at Rock River Hospice & Home. Shirley was born September 30, 1947 in Dixon the daughter of Herman and Gesine (Bruns) Michels. She married Keith Conklen on November 20, 1965.

Shirley served as an assessor for various townships since 1979 and retired in December 2024. She was a charter member of New Life Lutheran Church and served on many committees over the years at New Life Lutheran and St. Paul Lutheran Church. Shirley loved cooking for the holidays, especially making special memories with her grandchildren. Shirley and her husband farmed side by side on their family farm northwest of Sterling for 60 years.

Survivors include her husband Keith Conklen; one daughter Karen (Marshal) Longanecker; two sons Keith (Stacey) Conklen Jr., and Kevin (Rhonda) Conklen; one sister Wendy Zimmerman; six grandchildren Katie (Richard) Decker, Kelcie (Logan) Wilkens, Kalie (Sam Bonilla) Conklen, Amanda Conklen, Kolten Conklen, Konner (Anna Meltzer) Conklen; five great-grandchildren Easton Decker, Calan Decker, Lucas Wilkens, Laura Wilkens, Amara Bonilla.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Herman (Gesine) Michels; one daughter Kathy Ann Conklen; three brothers Fred Michels, Herman Michels, and Johann Michels; and two sisters Mary Michels, and Arlene Michaels.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday November 3, 2025 at New Life Lutheran Church in Sterling. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at New Life Church from 9AM-11AM. Burial will take place immediately following at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.

A memorial has been established to New Life Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com