Keith G. Conkling

He was born on November 1, 1933 in Pekin, a son of Kenneth George and Margaret (Drynan) Conkling. He was the oldest of eight children, growing up in North Pekin. Keith married Mary Jane (Bloom) Anderson on June 14, 1970 in Pekin.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane of 56 years; his two daughters, Joy Swanson and Deana (Daniel) Fogal, both of Pekin; his two sons, David (Stacy) Anderson of Green Valley and Danial (Tracy) Anderson of Manito; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; five siblings, Larry (Ida) Conkling of Pekin, Sharon Landry and Judy Lorch, both of Milton, Florida, Marcia Cheshier of Coleta, and Bill (Darla) Conkling of Pittsfield; and many nieces and nephews.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Kathleen Marie (Conkling) Seltveit; granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn (Anderson) Kautz; two brothers, Alvin Conkling and Herbert Conkling; and three brothers-in-law, Tom Cheshier, Darrel Lorch, and Richard Landry.

Keith was drafted into the United States Army on November 11, 1956. He was stationed in Germany for 15 months and France for three months, where he reconstructed and worked on bombed out buildings and hospitals. He was based out of Camp McCoy, active duty for two years and standby duty for four years.

He retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company after 31 years, working mainly in Morton. He simultaneously worked for the Pekin Park District as a security officer and landscaping & maintenance crew. Keith also served as the security officer for Pekin Community High School for 11 years, earning the nickname "Roscoe" by the students.

Keith was a member of Pekin First United Methodist Church for 56 years. He served alongside his wife as a greeter.

Aside from working two jobs most of his adult life, Keith kept a beautiful yard of flowers and gardens, preserving and sharing the produce they grew. He loved to fish, hunt, camp, and travel around the country visiting the many relatives and friends he knew and loved. He used his woodworking skills to make special gifts for everyone he knew.

Keith's funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2026 at Pekin First United Methodist Church. Rev. Sean Peters and Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. His visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., also on Monday at the church. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with full military honors.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Keith stated, "No dress clothes at my funeral!". His family is requesting all guests to please wear casual attire to the visitation and funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pekin First United Methodist Church at https://pekinfirst.org/give or

Goodwill Peoria Veterans' Services at https://www.goodwillpeo.org/services/veterans-services/

Online condolences may be shared with Keith's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com