| KONEK, Edward A. passed away peacefully on January 31, 2007 in the presence of loved ones. He was born March 10, 1915 in Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, to Maria Feriancova and Jozef Konek. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from St. Benedictine High in 1933, where he was involved in baseball, basketball, football, and swimming. Ed married Lillian M. Chapman on December 28, 1942; they raised 12 children together. In 1942 Edward also began an illustrious career with the military. He served in WWII with the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team until he was wounded in Belgium in 1945 during the Battle of the Bulge. Ed received a Purple Heart for his service, as well as a Combat Infantryman Medal, a Master Parachutist Badge, and several campaign medals. Ed also served in Korea as a Captain in Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment, for which he received a Silver Star, OLC; a Bronze Star w/V; and a Combat Infantryman Medal. Ed retired from the military in December of 1962 at the rank of Major and then worked for the Postal Service until 1979. Throughout his life Ed maintained his involvement in various athletic endeavors and coordinated sports and recreation programs. Ed traveled frequently to his parents' homeland of Slovakia and maintained communication with his relatives there. He also enjoyed hiking, swimming and bowling. Ed volunteered as a swim instructor at his church, and was still swimming at Park Pool in Spokane until 2002. At the age of 62, Ed hiked the 92 miles around the base of Mt. Rainier, at age 64 he attempted the summit of Mt. Rainier, at age 74 he rafted the Colorado River and hiked from the river to the rim of the Grand Canyon, and at the age of 76 he traveled on a hiking and rafting tour of Switzerland six weeks after a heart attack, which is only one example of Ed's indomitable spirit and courage. Ed had a lifelong involvement with the Catholic Church, attending Mass with his family and serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus and The Right To Life movement. Ed was also involved as a volunteer in various organizations and has been a longtime member and supporter of the VFW. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandparent, attending nearly every function his children and grandchildren were involved in. Ed is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Janos, Joseph, Steve, Mary, Eve, Adam, Peter, John and Margaret, his children Martin and Margaret, his granddaughter Mariah Krugh, and his daughter-in-law Billie Van Eaton. He is survived by his wife Lillian Konek, his children Frances and Al Anderson, Jim and Michael Ann Konek, Steve and Suong Konek, John Konek, Ann and Jim Schwrazer, Jane and Tom Konek, Mary and Mark Swenson, Suzanne and Larry Bettinger, Christine and Bruce Krugh, and Kathy Konek and Don Jordan, 23 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one nephew, three nieces, and many dear friends. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 5 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 2320 N. Cedar Street, followed by inurnment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on Sunday, February 4, at St. Anthony's. Memorial contributions may be sent to the VFW Post 1435. Feb 4, 2007 Spokesman-Review |
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