James Peter Konkol

James Peter Konkol James Peter Konkol became our guardian angel on December 10 , 2021 at the age of 76. Lovingly survived by his wife, Eileen. Beloved father of Debbie Panoch, Jim Konkol (Alicia), Karen (Dennis) Folker and Laura (Jeremy) Hinds. Proud grandpa of Marissa (Tony), Derek (Tori), Aleesa (Steve), Owen, Jared, Chase, Braxton, Destin and Sienna. Playful great grandpa of Rosalia, Ava and Liam. Dear brother of Florence (the late Alois), Richard (the late Linda), Ronnie (LInda), Betty (John), Gary, and brother-in-law of Barbara (the late Frank). He is preceded in death by his parents Ambrose and Sophie and his siblings Clarence, Myron (Glenes) and Frank. According to Jim (James, Jimmy) himself, he was born behind the stove in a farmhouse in Polonia, Wisconsin on May 19, 1945. He developed his strong, life-long work ethic working on the family farm. As a teenager he labored on the potato farm of a large local outfit. In elementary school, Jim attended a one-room schoolhouse where he met the love of his life in the fourth grade. He welcomed the new girl and played ball with her at recess. He graduated from Rosholt High School where he was a fierce wrestler, prom king and a member of the Future Farmers of America. On July 10, 1965 Jim married his childhood sweetheart in the beautiful Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Custer, Wisconsin. Jim and his bride, Eileen, moved to the Milwaukee area and soon after started a family. He worked at Maynard Steel in Milwaukee for 25 years. He later worked at Krones in Franklin, Wisconsin as an assembler. Jim was respected by his colleagues and regarded as the go-to-guy for his vast knowledge, skills and expertise. He also filled in as the lead person in the assembly department when his boss was off. He retired from Krones in 2010 after 20 years of dedicated service. Jim was intelligent and well-rounded with many interests. He and his wife bowled in a couple’s league with various teammates for many years. He was also the star pitcher on family and friends softball teams. He was an avid spectator of sporting events and any activity in which his kids and grandchildren were involved. Jim enjoyed deer hunting with the guys, although he often admired and even fed corn to the deer in his own backyard. He took great pride in his lawn and his family benefited from the fruits of his garden and his green thumb. Jim was a dedicated blood donor; with a remarkable 71 lifetime donations resulting in a total of 8 gallons of blood gifted. Jim possessed a keen intelligence. With his inherent wisdom and kind heart, he was the one that everyone turned to for advice. He had an uncanny ability to look at a problem and come up with a solution. There was very little he couldn’t repair or rig. Jim was renowned for his “dad” humor that everyone groaned at but secretly loved. Jim was a man of deep and steadfast faith. He lived his faith daily in both his words and his actions. He truly embodied the Bible quote, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” (James 2:18) He instilled his abiding faith in his children. Above all else, Jim was a family man. Nothing meant more to him than his family. His wife was truly his other half, his best friend and his soulmate. He cherished his children and took pride in their accomplishments, big and small. He adored each and every one of his nine grandchildren and he was over the moon to become a great grandpa three times in just a month and a half this summer. Jim was never happier than when he was surrounded by his family--drop by visits: ham and rolls and watching football after Sunday mass ;and vacationing at the cottage in northern Wisconsin. He never tired of baiting hooks, untangling lines and taking off fish for everyone else, even if it meant he did very little fishing himself. As a surprise Christmas present, Jim and Eileen were excited to treat their entire family to a Caribbean Cruise in the summer of 2019. Jim’s family will cherish the precious memories of their time together on that trip.+ Jim was a kind, strong, intelligent man. He was also a sensitive and gentle soul with an unlimited capacity to both give and receive unconditional love. He left his footprint on the hearts of all who knew him. Family and friends are welcome to gather at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church for a celebration of Jim’s life on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 9:00-10:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM. Entombment to follow at St. Adelbert Cemetery. The family asks that you wear cheerful colors in commemoration of the blessing he was in all our lives.