In Memory of

Jerome

"Bud"

Konopacky

Obituary for Jerome "Bud" Konopacky

With Bud’s passing on December 18, 2018, we lost one of the few remaining from the “Greatest Generation”. Bud was born on October 29, 1918, in Stevens Point. He was the oldest of eight children born to Peter F. and Margaret (Karner) Konopacky. Bud graduated from Emerson High School in 1936. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church and was active in his teens with Boy Scouts and coaching grade school basketball.

He began a 40 year career on the Soo Line Railroad in 1939 in train service and retired as a conductor in 1979. During his career on the RR, he was very active in union work and served as the local chairman for several years. He was also a long-time member of American Legion Post #6.

Bud served four years with the Wisconsin National Guard and two years in the Army in World War II, most of which was served in the European theater of Operations as Chief Clerk of the Railroad Operating Battalion in France, Belgium, England and Germany.

Bud married Genevieve Feltz in 1942. In the early 1950’s, Bud meticulously built the home in Stevens Point where they lived and raised their family. They enjoyed over 30 years at their summer cottage on Lake Tomahawk and spent many winters in Florida. Bud lived for fishing (especially Muskies) and hunting. Bud and Gen’s garden was the envy of the neighborhood. After Gen’s death, Bud remained in their home until the age of 95, when he moved to Idaho with his daughter.

This past October, over 80 people from around the US gathered to celebrate his 100th birthday with him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Genevieve in 2009; son Gerald in infancy; son Peter Martin in 2007; his parents; brothers Karl, David, Peter Paul, Robert and John; and his sister Audrey (Skibba).

He is survived by his brother James (Joyce) Konopacky, Florida; son Michael Konopacky, Florida; daughter Katherine (Hugo) Schellenberg, Idaho; daughters-in-law Jean Konopacky, Florida, and Linda Hytry-Konopacky, Stevens Point; five grandchildren: Amy (Brian) Hetherington, Eric (Michelle) Konopacky, Nicole (Kevin) Schlice, Justin Schellenberg, Emily (Tyler) Segel; eight great-grandchildren: Kelsey, Leah, Lily, Clara, Lexi, Jordan, Jaxon, Claire; sisters-in-law Betty Konopacky, Del Konopacky, Barb Konopacky, and Gerry Konopacky; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors who held him in high esteem.

Bud and Gen left a legacy of family values, and those that were in their lives can count themselves blessed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bud’s name to Never Forgotten Honor Flight or the charity of your choice. (https://neverforgottenhonorflight.com/)

The Mass of a Christian Burial will be held for Bud at 11AM on Friday February 1, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church – 1709 Wyatt Ave. Stevens Point. Rev. Dennis Stanchik will officiate. Friends and family may gather to share memories from 4-7PM on Thursday January 31, 2019 at the Shuda Funeral Chapel – 3200 Stanley St. Stevens Point. Visitation will continue from 10-10:45AM on Friday at the church. Burial with full Military Honors will be held at Guardian Angel Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com