John Paul Konopaski, age 91, of Vanderbilt, Michigan, joined the Lord in His glory on August 5, 2023.
He was born on April 14, 1932, in Boyne Falls, Michigan, to Joseph and Julia (Gdyczynski) Konopaski.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elsie; children, Amy (Tim) Horal, Becky (Gary) Young, Jerri (Jimmy) Smith, Mary (John) Peterson, and John (Kim) Konopaski; grandchildren, Sean, Rachell, Tiffany, Jessica, Jamie, Timothy, Evan, and Alexander; sister, Jennie (Jerry) Dobrzelewski; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Walter, Stella, Francis, and Joe; and grandchildren, baby boy twins, Jennifer, and Carrie.
John raised his family in Warren, Michigan. After 43+ years with the Chrysler Corporation, he retired as a machine repairman and moved to Vanderbilt. John was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Vanderbilt, a member of Union Local 7 in Detroit; and served in the United States Army.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He will be dearly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. from Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Vanderbilt.
Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary being offered at 6:00 p.m.
Visitation will continue Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Vanderbilt, from 10:00 a.m., until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Michigan- Gaylord Region, online at hom.org/donate/, or to the Vanderbilt Food Pantry at 455 W. Main Street, Vanderbilt, Mi. 49795.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
19 comments on “John P. Konopaski”
Deepest sympathy to family. John was a very special guy. I am blessed to have met him and his beautiful wife, Elsie. We are like sisters. Prayers for the entire family.
Love Larry and Darlene Wade
So very very sorry to hear of your passing
My deepest sympathy to all the families
U will be greatly missed
R.I.P.
Condolences to you, Elsie and family. Much love and admiration for John. He was truly a man of innovation and will be missed.
Deepest sympathy,
Julie, Sean, Conner & Kate Timperley
Elsie;
We extend our sincere sympathy to you and your entire family. John, and you too Elsie. You always welcomed us and made us feel like your family. We all have lost half of a wonderful, caring couple. May God wrap his arms around John and welcome him home. We pray that He will also grant all of you the strength to face the upcoming difficult moments and the comfort of knowing that you all did your very best and gave John such great care in his final days.
Mike and Connie Zaborowski
God bless your family. rip John, the pastori family
John,
Karen and I are very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
John and and his lovely wife Elsie are gracious and loving people. They have opened their home for me and my husband many many times. Kindness and love to friends and family is what it’s all about in life and they definitely know what that is! Elsie I’m so sorry for your loss. He definitely was a good man.
Your family is in our hearts and prayers.
Elsie,
To you and your family I am saddened to hear about the passing of John. I share in your sorrow. May the fifty six plus years of special memories you made together help you through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear of John’s passing, Prayer’s to Elsie Jean and Family, It’s hard losing a long one. He is in God’s hands now. You are all in our thought’s and prayer’s, Love you all. The Jacksons
John, So very sorry for the loss of your father. My sincere sympathy to you and Kim and your entire family.
MY PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY
Elsie so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
The Konopaski Family,
My condolences to all of you on the loss of John as husband, father and grandfather. My prayers are with you in these days of his passing.
Jeff and Beth Kremkow
John, Kim, and Alex,
We are very sorry for your loss.
We may have never met your father, but knowing you, he must have been a great guy.
We will be thinking of you and your entire family.
Sal, Robyn, and Family.
Elsie-
So sorry for your loss. John was a special man, and is leaving a great legacy! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
With Love,
Sue and Alex Van Portfliet
Elsie and family,
You couldn’t help but like John. Very easy going, who didn’t care whether it rained or shined. Either day was great! I had many good talks with John. Some short and to the point and others long-to-never-ending, but always interesting.
Elsie, our hearts ache for your loss of John. You two were the best example of a loving couple. Just the way it should be. We salute you both!
And to a good “Ole Polish Boy” John……
we will miss you dearly.
Elsie, Mary, John, Tim, Evan and Kendra.
Our prayers, thoughts, sympathy & love are with you and your entire family.
Dear Elsie, So sorry for your loss. thank you for caring enough to share with me at church. his relatives and mine used to neighbor when they first came to this country. We just celebrated our 100 yr.anniversary, strong people. God sustain you in your sorrow🙏🏼💕