Margaret 'Margie' M. Konopasek
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
She met George Konopasek, the love of her life, at the age of 16 in Hessville. They became engaged while George was away serving in the Armed Services during World War II and were married Dec. 25, 1948.
They raised their five children in Griffith, relocating for retirement years to Hoffman Lake, Warsaw. She and George spent the past five years in DePere to be near their son, Ed, and his family.
Hoffman Lake, and their retirement home on the water, was a special place for them. Most of the grandkids enjoyed spending summer vacations with Grandma and Grandpa, learning to swim, fish and most importantly how to properly roast marshmallows and make pudgie pies around the fire. In order to ensure everyone had a fresh supply of fishing bait, she would stay up late and catch nightcrawlers with a flashlight and her lightning-quick reflexes. She had an uncanny knack for fishing and never missed an opportunity to land her “4 o’clock bass.” To this day, her kids and grandkids have fond memories of their experiences at the lake and Grandma Margie’s homemade cinnamon rolls.
She also enjoyed camping, gardening and had a special love of sewing. She made sure every grandchild, and a few of their pets, had multiple hand-sewn and tied baby blankets. She greatly enjoyed traveling and visits from her children and grandchildren.
She worked for Miller CPA and East Chicago Pattern Works in Indiana. Later she managed her home-based bookkeeping and tax preparation services for numerous local business and individuals while raising her children. She had a very strong faith in God and believed strongly in the powers of the Holy Spirit. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Griffith, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw.
Surviving are her beloved husband of 67 years, George N. Konopasek; her children: Barbara (and Richard) Lambright, Simpsonville, S.C.; Kathleen (and William) Church, Summerfield, N.C.; and Edward (and Jill) Konopasek, DePere; grandchildren: Jennifer Bartunek, Jeff Musgrave, Elaine (and Robert) Landon, Julie (and Mike) Haraburda, Brian Blest; Kyle (and Carolyn), Kevin (and Tina), Ellen and Neil (and Heather) Mathews; Nicole Wilson, Michelle Coers; Joshua, Kayla, Maggie and Emma Konopasek; step-grandchildren: Kristin (and spouse Mark) Jones, Chris and Kyle Church; 15 great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Madeline B. Hoelzel and Charles W. Breisch; brothers: Charles and George Breisch; her children: Joanne Jody Blest and George K. Konopasek.
Services and Catholic mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 525 N. Broad St., Griffith, with the Rev. Theodore Mens officiating. Christian burial will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Gary.
Calling is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at White Funeral Home, 921 W. 45th Avenue, Griffith.
Immediately following burial, the family would like to extend an invite to family and friends to join together in a celebration of Margie’s life and enjoy a meal and fellowship at Hildebrandt Hall at St. Mary’s.
*****
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the wonderful staff at West Haven in Brillion, Wis., where she was living as she struggled with advancing Alzheimer’s. The staff and residents became part of our extended family over the years and offered loving care for both Marge and George. Special thanks to the caring staff at Heartland Hospice who helped the entire family during the final months.[[In-content Ad]]
She met George Konopasek, the love of her life, at the age of 16 in Hessville. They became engaged while George was away serving in the Armed Services during World War II and were married Dec. 25, 1948.
They raised their five children in Griffith, relocating for retirement years to Hoffman Lake, Warsaw. She and George spent the past five years in DePere to be near their son, Ed, and his family.
Hoffman Lake, and their retirement home on the water, was a special place for them. Most of the grandkids enjoyed spending summer vacations with Grandma and Grandpa, learning to swim, fish and most importantly how to properly roast marshmallows and make pudgie pies around the fire. In order to ensure everyone had a fresh supply of fishing bait, she would stay up late and catch nightcrawlers with a flashlight and her lightning-quick reflexes. She had an uncanny knack for fishing and never missed an opportunity to land her “4 o’clock bass.” To this day, her kids and grandkids have fond memories of their experiences at the lake and Grandma Margie’s homemade cinnamon rolls.
She also enjoyed camping, gardening and had a special love of sewing. She made sure every grandchild, and a few of their pets, had multiple hand-sewn and tied baby blankets. She greatly enjoyed traveling and visits from her children and grandchildren.
She worked for Miller CPA and East Chicago Pattern Works in Indiana. Later she managed her home-based bookkeeping and tax preparation services for numerous local business and individuals while raising her children. She had a very strong faith in God and believed strongly in the powers of the Holy Spirit. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Griffith, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw.
Surviving are her beloved husband of 67 years, George N. Konopasek; her children: Barbara (and Richard) Lambright, Simpsonville, S.C.; Kathleen (and William) Church, Summerfield, N.C.; and Edward (and Jill) Konopasek, DePere; grandchildren: Jennifer Bartunek, Jeff Musgrave, Elaine (and Robert) Landon, Julie (and Mike) Haraburda, Brian Blest; Kyle (and Carolyn), Kevin (and Tina), Ellen and Neil (and Heather) Mathews; Nicole Wilson, Michelle Coers; Joshua, Kayla, Maggie and Emma Konopasek; step-grandchildren: Kristin (and spouse Mark) Jones, Chris and Kyle Church; 15 great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Madeline B. Hoelzel and Charles W. Breisch; brothers: Charles and George Breisch; her children: Joanne Jody Blest and George K. Konopasek.
Services and Catholic mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 525 N. Broad St., Griffith, with the Rev. Theodore Mens officiating. Christian burial will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Gary.
Calling is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at White Funeral Home, 921 W. 45th Avenue, Griffith.
Immediately following burial, the family would like to extend an invite to family and friends to join together in a celebration of Margie’s life and enjoy a meal and fellowship at Hildebrandt Hall at St. Mary’s.
*****
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the wonderful staff at West Haven in Brillion, Wis., where she was living as she struggled with advancing Alzheimer’s. The staff and residents became part of our extended family over the years and offered loving care for both Marge and George. Special thanks to the caring staff at Heartland Hospice who helped the entire family during the final months.[[In-content Ad]]
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