Minnetonka, Minnesota
Conklin, Peter G. age 81, of Minnetonka, passed away Dec. 5, 2013. Pete grew up in Suffern, New York and was a graduate of Colgate College. He served as a pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps. Pete worked for Northwest Airlines, first flying the Lockheed Electra and rising through the ranks to captain the 747. In his 30+ year career he established lifelong friendships while "flying the line" and working as a respected instructor. Pete's enduring passion was golf. His interest in golf began as a child when he would wade across the Ramapo River to caddie at (and sometimes sneak onto) the HouvenKopf Country Club. As a Marine, Pete was called before his commanding officer and charged with the duty of making regular tee times and filling foursomes - a task he delighted in. His friends and family can attest to his scheduling skills and logistical acumen. Pete was an excellent player. He maintained a low handicap, shooting his age throughout his 70s. He was well known and loved in the golf community, from the course pros with whom he negotiated group rates, to the salesmen who swapped golf clubs with him. Pete left his mark. He will be remembered by family and friends for his kindness, caring and laughter. Survived by five children: Pete (Sue) Conklin, Kate (Steve) Malin, Dave (Michon) Conklin, Karin (Anthony) Witte, Dan (Vionka) Conklin, his beloved sister Nicki McMahon, 12 grandchildren, 10 nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Memorial service at Hazeltine Golf Club, Sat., Feb. 8, 11 a.m.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
I knew Pete as a fellow pilot with him at Northwest Airlines. He was a great guy to fly with and to be friends with. I also enjoyed playing golf with him on occasion. He will be missed!
Wayne Anderson
December 06, 2020 | Flathead Lake, MT | Friend
Losing my father is like losing my best friend. When I look back I really never spent too much time away from him, living with him after college and spending every other day with him for the last 7 years when he helped care for my daughters Marisa and Liina between golf games. And on my free time when we golfed, talked and spent every holiday together. All the love, support and friends in his life is a testament to what a unique and superb person he was. I think about you and miss you every...
Karin Witte
February 04, 2014 | Excelsior, MN
Dear Conklin Family,
I have two strong memories of Mr. Conklin from many years ago. The first is when I went the Conklin home in Minnetonka as a young college student with Katie. I was introduced to Mr. Conklin as he was standing in the kitchen making what looked like a healthy and well-balanced lunch for the younger Conklin kids. If I remember right he was either wearing a towel or an apron. I remember he smoked cigars, but I don't think he had one while making this particular lunch....
February 01, 2014
I got to fly with Pete a time or two and enjoyed my outings with him. We shared a Marine Corps background so we immediately had a pleasant rapport.
I'm sorry to hear of his passing and I send thoughts, prayers, and condolences to his family.
Blue skies,
Lyle Prouse
December 22, 2013 | Stockbridge, GA
I never knew Pete at NWA, he was way to senior and was on 'that other airplane" when I was on the DC-10. I first met him playing golf at Richfield Acres where I first heard "Ive seen enough" said after I was struggling with a 4 putt. I vowed the never to play with him again,but as time passed we became very good friends. He was both mentor and golf pro to me. We shared several of the good and not so good things in life, good cigars, decent wines,golf, and crossword puzzles to name a few.
...
Paul Reyes
December 21, 2013 | St Augustine, FL
What a great guy and dear friend. 30 plus years of friendship on and off the golf course. Summers playing golf with Pete in our group was the best. Always competitive,always fun, always there for you, always the gentleman and always a friend. Pete you were the best. There will not be a round of golf that there won't be thoughts of you and your contribution to our golfing group. My heart goes out to all of you Conklin kids. Your Dad was a super guy. Condolences.
Gar Bensen
December 21, 2013
Dear Conklin Family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Marjorie Shapiro
December 17, 2013
DEAR CONKLIN FAMILY, PETE AND I WERE HIRED BY NWA ABOUT THE SAME TIME. WE NEVER FLEW TOGETHER BECAUSE WE WERE TO CLOSE IN SENORITY. IN OUR SINGLE DAYS WE PARTIED TOGETHER AND WERE GOOD FRIENDS. HE WAS ONE OF THE GOOD GUYS ON THE AIRLINE AND I'LL MISS HIM. SEMPER FI TO A FORMER MARINE AND EXCELLENT PILOT.
HARRY BEDROSSIAN
December 17, 2013 | GIG HARBOR, WA
Dear Conklin Family,
You were lucky to have Pete as a member of your family
We at Northwest Airlines were truly blessed to have Pete in our family.
I can only say AMEN to all the wonderful messages you have recived.
Joe Baron
December 16, 2013
