Kenneth “Ken” Konop, 80, Green Bay, passed away peacefully after a brief, but courageous battle with leukemia early Saturday morning, April 1, 2023. Born on June 19, 1942, in Green Bay, he is the son of the late Alois and Ann (Sladky) Konop. Ken attended SS Peter and Paul Grade School and was a 1960 graduate of Premontre High School.
Ken was a member of the US Marine Corps Reserve. On October 22, 1966, he married Sandra Wise at St. Matthew Catholic Church. From a young age, Ken loved working with his dad at Konop’s Garage, which he eventually took over when his dad retired. He not only took over Konop’s Garage, but also opened University Machine. Ken was a self-employed auto mechanic who loved his GREASY job… “in in the morning, out at night”. He was an avid boater, bowler, and golfer. Ken took great pride in his 1928 Ford Model A. He and Sandy had fun going to all the car shows in the surrounding area. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR, the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and drinking bourbon at Friday night happy hours. Ken was a lifelong member of the Pazaza Club and a member of the Green Bay Yacht Club. He was a loving husband for over 56 years, father, and grandfather. Ken was kind and generous to all the important people in his life, especially his loving nephews and nieces. You did it your way, Dad! Happy April Fools’ Day!
He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy, two children and their spouses, Kim and Cory Strom and Andrea “Anj” and Bill Strom; seven grandchildren: Courtney, Connor, Cade, Olivia, Sophia, Ava, and Henry; nephews and nieces: Jay and Nancy VanCampenhout, Ann and Dan Emmel, Steve and Michelle VanCampenhout, and Vicky and Andy Sell.
Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth VanCampenhout; infant granddaughter, Grace Strom, and his favorite canine buddy, Brandy.
A private memorial service was held Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Proko-Wall Funeral Home with Fr. Bob Kabat and Ann Froelich officiating, in the presence of his loving family. Please join us for Ken’s Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 25th from 1-4 pm at the Green Bay Yacht Club located at 100 Bay Beach Road. We look forward to many of you sharing your favorite memories and stories of Ken, who we all love and miss so much. A memorial fund has been established in Ken’s name at Proko-Wall Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to Ken’s family at www.prokowall.com.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff members at Eden Vista, St. Vincent Hospital Oncology, and especially Unity Hospice.