John Robert Conlin, 99, of Fargo, ND formerly of Williston, ND passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at the Bethany Assisted Living Center in Fargo, ND.
John Robert Conlin, 99, was born on February 21, 1926, to Edward and Elizabeth (Dolan) Conlin at Mercy Hospital in Williston, North Dakota. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on August 27, 2025, at Bethany Home in Fargo.
John grew up in Williston, where he became an Eagle Scout. In 1941, he built his own car and won the only Soapbox Derby in Williston, receiving a treasured trophy. He graduated with the Williston High School Class of 1944. His family owned and operated Conlin’s Furniture. At age 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II as a Yeoman 3rd Class in the Decoder Room, chosen for his strong typing skills.
While serving aboard the USS Henrico in April 1945, his ship was struck by a kamikaze near Okinawa, Japan, as his brother Clem’s ship was hit & sadly was wounded, receiving the purple heart. Thankfully, John, who had gone below deck moments before, survived but lost all of his crew mates in the attack, many of whom he prayed with in their final moments. After the Henrico was heavily damaged, John was transferred to the USS Saratoga and went on to serve aboard several ships in the Pacific before being honorably discharged in 1946.
Through the GI Bill, John attended St. John’s University in Minnesota, graduating in 1950 with a degree in History. On August 28, 1948, he married the love of his life, Mary Helen Kelly, at St. Joseph’s in Williston. Together they shared 77 years of marriage and were blessed with 15 children—10 daughters and 5 sons.
Throughout their life together, John and Mary lived in Williston, Dickinson, and Fargo, North Dakota; and St. Cloud, Minnesota. John worked in the family furniture and carpet-cleaning businesses and was deeply involved in his community. He served as a scoutmaster, performed in local plays and sang tenor in the barbershop chorus, took part in clown diving at water carnivals, and played drums in the Williston Cowboys’ Drum and Bugle Corps.
His strong Christian faith guided his life. He was an active parishioner, serving as a cantor, lector, and member of the Knights of Columbus, where he attained the 4th Degree of Faithful Navigator. He also spearheaded the Mardi Gras fundraisers at Trinity High School in Dickinson and at St. Joseph’s in Williston. John was a longtime member of the VFW and American Legion and enjoyed performing with Entertainment, Inc. theater productions. In 2015, he was humbled to be chosen as an honorary member of the USS North Dakota submarine.
John was also an avid golfer, achieving multiple holes-in-one, and later enjoyed working at the Williston Municipal Golf Course during retirement. After suffering a stroke in 2013, John and Mary moved to Riverview in Fargo.
Known for his quick wit and playful humor, John delighted his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with his Donald Duck voice, clown dives, and endless antics. His family loved him dearly, and he will be remembered with deep admiration.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Elizabeth; brothers Clement (Patricia) and Edward Jr. (Joan); sister Theresa (Sr. Patrick); five children—Angela, James, Jean, Marie, and Theresa; son-in-law David Huether; grandchild Andrew Conlin; and great-grandchild Jack Adducci. He was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law Robert (Mary) Nyvold, Bud Shanahan, Dick Dwyer, and Chuck Rohrman, as well as sisters-in-law Kathryn, Patricia and Joan Conlin.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children John (Mariam Weingarten), Marguerite (John) Gysler, Mary (the late David) Huether, Daniel (Debra Davidson), Pauline (Jerry) Davis, Edward (Jackie Hammer), Helen (Chris) Adducci, Cecilia (Scott) Emerick, Patrick (Rhonda Klasna), and Ann (David) Watterud; his sister Mary (Conlin) Nyvold; his brother Francis (Frank) Conlin; 35 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
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