Helen L. Conklin

Helen L. (Suhr) Schwindt Conklin, age 93, formerly of Bayard, Nebraska, peacefully went to her Heavenly home on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Heritage Estates in Gering, Nebraska. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Bayard with Rev. George Naylor officiating. Inurnment will follow at Bayard Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the church. The service will be live-streamed and recorded on Helen’s obituary page, viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Helen was born on May 11, 1932, in Bayard, to George Dewey Suhr and Caroline (Gartman) Suhr. A lifelong resident of Bayard, Helen attended Bayard High School and grew up deeply connected to her community.

On November 15, 1947, Helen married Albert Henry Schwindt in Bridgeport, Nebraska. Together, they welcomed three children: Rodney, Carol, and Deborah.

Helen worked side by side with Albert on their farm and ranch for forty years, embracing the hard work and rhythms of country life. She shared her time and talents as a 4‑H leader and Sunday School teacher and found joy in square dancing, camping, fishing, and caring for her grandchildren.

One of Helen’s proudest contributions was helping establish Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Bayard more than sixty years ago. She remained active in the church throughout her life, serving with the LWML and on the altar committee.

Following Albert’s passing in 1987, Helen later married Donald Conklin on July 8, 1992, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. She and Don continued their love of square dancing and enjoyed being involved with the Chimney Rock Museum and the Bayard Senior Center.

Helen is lovingly remembered by her children, Carol Pontine, Rodney L. (Connie) Schwindt, and Deborah (Ronald) Dudden; grandchildren, Sue (Jeff) Wengler, Heather (Dean) Macholan, Melissa (Wes) Pokorny, Chris (Erin) Dudden, and Jared (Lark) Dudden; and brother, Gary Suhr.

Her legacy continues through nine great‑grandchildren, Tanner (Paige) Wengler, Ryan (Hallie) Macholan, Brooklyn Macholan, Darrin Pokorny, Riley Pokorny, Cooper Dudden, Parker Dudden, Elizabeth Dudden, and Carly Dudden; one great-great-grandson, Brooks Lee Macholan; as well as four step‑children, four step‑grandchildren, two step‑great‑grandchildren, and three step‑great‑great‑grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, George and Caroline Suhr; first husband, Albert Schwindt; second husband, Don Conklin; brothers, Dean and George Suhr; sister, Mary Kraus; son‑in‑law, Dennis Pontine; and granddaughter, Valerie Pontine.

Helen will be warmly remembered for her love of gardening, her wonderful cooking, and the kindness and warmth she shared with all who knew her.