Betty Lou Bruland Conklin passed away peacefully in Duluth, Minnesota on December 26, 2025, following a short hospital stay. Betty was born in 1934 in Bennett, Wisconsin, to Albert and Mildred (Thorssen) Bruland. She was raised on a small farm alongside her three sisters, where she developed a lifelong love of animals. She graduated from Solon Springs High School in 1953 and was proud to attend her 72nd high school reunion in September 2025. Following high school, Betty attended vocational school and learned secretarial skills. She spent most of her working years at St. Mary’s Hospital and with the Duluth School Board. In December 1956, Betty married Lionel “Pete” Conklin. Together they raised five children, living for many years in Two Harbors, Minnesota, before settling in Duluth in 1971. During her children’s younger years, Betty was an active Boy Scout den mother and PTA volunteer. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and quilting, and shared many happy years square dancing with her husband. In later years, she especially enjoyed card games—cribbage and Rummikub among her favorites—a passion she inherited from her mother. Betty also loved baking, and her Christmas cookies and candies were cherished family traditions. She loved following the Twins and Vikings games. Her church life was important to her and she was a long-time member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Lionel “Pete” Conklin; her parents; her sister, Marilyn “Molly” Hoag, and an infant brother.
She is survived by her children, Corrine “Corrie” Conklin, Brian Conklin, Cheryl Conklin (Jeff Bergstrom), Kevin Conklin, and Kenneth “Ken” Conklin (Ekatrina); and by her grandchildren, Amie and Alex. She is also survived by her sisters, Elmira “Mira” Haack and Delores “Dee” Rozell; her sister-in-law, Flora Conklin; her longtime friend from school days, Anna Hansen; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service 11 am Monday, February 9, 2026 in Asbury United Methodist Church. 6822 Grand Ave. Pastor Katherine Cornell officiating. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial in Forest Hill Cemetery, Van Buren Township. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association in her name. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.
