Tyler Conkling, beloved son, brother, partner, father, and friend, died surrounded by family who loved him and whom he loved with his whole, expansive heart. He lived a life marked by curiosity, creativity, deep empathy, and a spirit that refused to be anything but fully, fiercely himself.

From the time he was little, Tyler saw the world differently. He took things apart just to understand them, then rebuilt them into new inventions only he could have imagined. That early spark grew into a lifelong love of woodworking, gardening, fixing cars, and creating things with his hands. He was a rock hound, a tinkerer, a maker, and a dreamer.

Tyler graduated from Iowa State University with degrees in Philosophy and Psychology, a combination that fit him perfectly, a mind that questioned everything and a heart that felt everything. He was pursuing his master's degree in counseling at University of the Cumberlands, working toward becoming a licensed mental health counselor. He wanted to help people carry what was heavy, because he understood the weight of the world so intimately.

He was a free spirit who loved to laugh, really laugh, the kind of laughter that filled a room and made everyone else feel lighter. He could find humor in almost anything. He loved video games, concerts, cooking, traveling, and the simple joy of being with friends and family. One of his favorite adventures was the semester he spent in Italy, he also loved his family vacations in Hawaii.

Tyler blazed his own trail. He didn't follow a script; he wrote his own. He loved deeply, felt deeply, and lived deeply. As a partner, he created a safe space and was a great communicator. As a stay‑at‑home father, he cherished the role, pouring his creativity, patience, and heart into raising his children.

His family and friends always knew that they were loved by him. He was a wonderful and loving son. He shared his fathers inventiveness and his mothers warmth. To his siblings, Tyler was the one who made things feel connected. He was funny, loving, empathetic, and attuned to the people he cared about.

He leaves behind a family who will forever feel the shape of his absence, and forever be grateful for the years they had with him. His love, his humor, his creativity, and his spirit live on in every person he touched.

Tyler is survived by his Children: Sage and Kai Conkling, Partner: Katie Weiss and her daughter Bristyn, Mother, Denise Conkling, Siblings: Colette Conkling Cox, husband Curt Cox, children Zach Cox, Curtis Cox, Connor Phipps, Avery Verona, Madeline Harper-Conkling, Lindsey Peiffer and husband Sam, children, Teddy, Roman, August and Peirce, Dylan Conkling, and Nicolas Conkling.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dave Conkling.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, IA.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. A graveside service will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery following the service.

Memorials may be directed to Colette Conkling Cox, all funds received will be placed into a trust specifically for Tyler's children, mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.