Carolinn McConkey

UPDATED - A memorial service for Carolinn McConkey will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 4, 2021 at Crossview Covenant Church in North Mankato with visitation one hour prior to service at the church. A family graveside service will be held in Iowa.

Carolinn McConkey, age 87, died peacefully with family by her side on December 17, 2020. She is reunited with her beloved husband of 58 years, Hervey. Carolinn was a cherished mother, grandmother, and “GG” to her adored Dominick.

Carolinn leaves a legacy of serving the Lord. After she graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Music from Northwestern College, Carolinn and Hervey settled in Willmar where they raised their family and served with Youth for Christ. Later they settled in the Twin Cities where they continued in ministry.

Carolinn was an accomplished pianist and used her gifts accompanying musicians and playing in church. Carolinn had a gift for hospitality and welcomed countless people into her home to share a delicious meal and listening ear. She was the head manager of the “McConkey Hotel,” where no one was ever turned away. Her love of adventure and world travel gave her a lifetime of memories and stories.

Even in her last years she continued to serve the Lord while in assisted living care. A staff person shared, “She was my rock when things were stressful at work. She would always say, ‘just sit down here, we’re going to pray,’ and we did. I always felt better when I left her apartment.”

She is survived by her children: Scott (Jody), Paige (Janet), Sheila (Bill), and Shawn, her nine grandchildren, great grandson, her sister Karen (Jim), and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at New Perspective Mankato for the loving care they provided Carolinn.

Memorial gifts can be sent to Mankato Mortuary, 1001 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato MN 56001. Memorials will be directed to World Vision, a worldwide relief organization, and City Life Center, a ministry for women and their babies. A celebration of Carolinn’s life will be announced at a later date.