Joseph J. Konczak

Joseph J. Konczak, 92, of La Salle passed away peacefully on Monday August 21, 2017 in Illinois Veterans Home at La Salle where he has resided the last six years.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Friday in St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle with the Rev. Jacob Valle officiating. Burial will be in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in La Salle, where he will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, with full military honors conducted by the La Salle/Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday in the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle with a wake service at 6:00 PM. Additional visitation will be in the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until time of services.

Mr. Konczak was born October 16, 1924 in La Salle to Joseph and Sophie (Sharpe) Konczak. He fell in love and married Mary Ellen Cattaneo on July 12, 1946. They were married almost 53 years until her passing on April 15, 1999.

Mr. Konczak entered the US Army Air Corp in April of 1943, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, where he was an Airplane Maintenance Technician and saw action in the Pacific Theatre.  His service included the air offensive against Japan and the Eastern Mandates. His awards included American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two battle stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Corp in March of 1946, he was employed and retired as a Switchman for LS & BC Railroad.

He was a member of the La Salle VFW Post #4668 and served as Post Commander in 1972, serving one term, and was elected again as Post Commander in 1976, serving two consecutive terms. He was also a member of the Oglesby American Legion, Catholic War Veterans, and La Salle/Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group. Joe also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where you could catch him calling the Bingo numbers weekly. He was also a member of St. Patrick’s Church and was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Joe was a sweet, gentle soul who never knew a stranger. He enjoyed nature, spending time at the Illinois-Michigan Canal, and his friends at 4-Star Restaurant.

Mr. Konzcak is survived by one son Joseph “Sonny” (Nely) Konczak of Tucson, AZ; two daughters Sue (Brian) Boldt of Flanagan and Marsha Burrell of La Salle; ten grandchildren Rebecca (Jason Bohm) McMillan, Brooke (Jeff) Wallace, Bradley (Leticia) Boldt, Donald J. (Megan) Burrell, Bridget N. (Dan) Reeland, Joey Beavers, Sherry Konczak, Chuckie Konczak, Mary Ellen Konczak, and Maria Ellis; thirteen great grandchildren Braden, Emerson, Keegan, Anabella, Piper, Brynn, Caleb, Camryn, Carsyn, Noah, Angel, Evanna, and Anthony; and one great-great granddaughter Mila.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ellen, daughter Ellen Beavers in 2010, and infant grandson Michael Ryan Beavers.

Pallbearers will be Brad Boldt, Donald J. Burrell, Dan Reeland, Jeff Wallace, Jason Bohm, and Joey Beavers.

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