HOWARD “JAKE” KONKOL

Howard “Jake” Konkol was born in Ashland, Wisconsin, on July 26, 1926, to John and Elsie (Westphal) Konkol. He passed away on July 29, 2022, at the Our House Hospice Home in Slayton, MN. Jake attended Ashland High School. He was drafted into the service during his senior year and was unable to graduate with his class. He was honorably discharged and returned to the States in 1946. He attended Northland College and eventually transferred to Winona State Teacher’s College graduating in 1950 with a BS in Physical Education, Math, and Science. Jake taught physical education, junior high mathematics and coached football in Freeborn and Kimball, Minnesota. He met the love of his life, Katherine “Margaret” Vander Heyden and they were united in marriage on June 18, 1955. In 2014, Jake was inducted into Kimball’s Athletic Hall of Fame honoring the 1956 Kimball football team that went 8-0 and outscored its opponents 292-0 in a 35-game unbeaten streak that was a state record. In 1957, Jake and Margaret moved to Slayton, where they raised their six children. Jake taught seventh and eighth grade math as well as science, along with assistant coach duties for football and basketball. He retired in 1991 after 41 years of teaching. That same year, Jake was selected Teacher of the Year. Jake was a true outdoorsman. He loved fishing and hunting and had many great outings with his sons and friends. He and Margaret loved to travel and covered all fifty states and Canadian Provinces. Jake was a devout catholic and his faith was very important to him. Jake was a lifetime member of the Minnesota Coaches Association, National Education Association and American Legion. He was a member of Knights of Columbus. Jake enjoyed cheering on his favorite sports teams and his children and grandchildren at their activities. He showed his love in so many ways through his willingness to help, good-natured teasing, grins and singing his hellos and good-byes.

Jake was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his children Deanna; Howard (Kim); Tom (Jackie); Mary (Wane); Joe; and Rick (Kate); 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and 3 great step-grandchildren; and older sister Lorraine Anderson; many nieces and nephews; relatives and friends. Jake was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; infant son Russell; daughter-in-law Erin; parents John and Elsie; brothers Donald and Kenneth; sister LaVerne Conners; brothers-in-law Bertrand Anderson and Edward Conners; and sister-in-law Jean Konkol.

Funeral services were held at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The organist was Sharon Lais. The song leader was Sheila Crowley. The pallbearers were his grandchildren. The honorary pallbearers were Paul LeTendre, Roger Huyink, Larry Dahl, Jim Jensen, Cal Wurpts, Larry Garland, Dick Davidson, Tarry Boelter, Bob Gass, and Preston Mattke. Interment was at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Slayton, MN. Military honors accorded by the Slayton American Legion Post.

Visitation was on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton from 4-7 p.m. also one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton was entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the St. Ann’s Cemetery Fund or to the MCC Scholarship.