Jack Konkel

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jacob William Konkel. He peacefully went home to be with his Savior, surrounded by family, sitting in his favorite chair, on November 21st. Jack was the second-eldest of ten children from Theodore. His early years were spent at school, helping on the family farm, and happily helping his mom in the house... cleaning, doing mountains of dishes and sometimes caring for his many younger siblings.  As a young man, Jack farmed with his dad, enjoyed doing construction, and held numerous other jobs within the community. Soon after marrying, he moved to Wisconsin.  There he became a machinist and worked in the tool and die industry. He was busy raising three daughters, operating a small hobby farm, hunting, serving at church and in the community, and had a passion for sharing scripture with children through AWANA. In 2001, Jack returned to Saskatchewan to care for his aging parents. Following the death of his parents and wife, he opened a welding and machine shop, was blessed with another marriage, began raising sheep and goats again, and operated Beaverdale Blacksmith.  His passion for fixing vehicles and farm machinery continued for his entire life.  After the passing of his second wife, he continued working on his farm, working for neighbors, and spending much time with all his grandchildren.

Jack was one of a kind and the salt of the earth! He worked very hard his whole life, staying active and busy right up until the day that he met his Savior face-to-face.  He was full of smiles, infectious laughs, and was always the life of the party. He was spontaneous and adventurous, spent many hours setting puzzles, and played cards late into the night. Jack’s love for telling jokes and goofy disposition made him easy to get along with. He always had time to stop for coffee and a visit. His love for, and acceptance of others were evident to all. Jack was generous, almost to a fault.  He had a humble intelligence, and a wealth of experience to share, but never forced it on anyone.  He also had a stubborn streak a mile long, and knew how to clear a room!  Jack had a knack for sometimes saying the wrong thing at the wrong time… but never with a malicious spirit.  He was tender-hearted, quick with a hug, and often had to hide tears during tender moments.

Jack had a deep faith, that involved daily reading scripture, meditating on The Word, and sharing what he learned with others.  Jack had a genuine concern for the welfare of others, and desired to see everyone in his life come to a saving knowledge of their Heavenly Father, the Creator of the universe, who died on the cross to save us from our sins. He truly lived out his faith, not just in words, but in everything he did, everywhere he went, and every life he quietly (or sometimes not so quietly) influenced.  Jack lived out Psalm 107:1 every day, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!  His faithful love endures forever.”

Although Jack’s life ended before we were ready, the time that he spent in our lives was memorable and full of joy. We want to honour his love of life with a service to rejoice in the wonderful memories. It will be held in the summer of 2022.  All who were touched by Jack’s life are welcomed (contact the family for details). Being the life of every party, Jack wanted us to celebrate his life in the same way.

Jack was predeceased by his first wife, Edeltraud, and second wife, Ruby, as well as by his parents Harold and Nettie, and his sister Clara. He is survived by his three daughters: Angie Konkel; Alethea (John) Gulrud; Tena (Ashley) Duff; 42 grandchildren, 2 great granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews that he loved and touched deeply. He is also survived by siblings: August (Esther); Mel (Laura); Verna (Peter) Wiebe; Ben; Dave (Karin); Stan (Val); Clarence (Michelle); Martha (Bernd) Breitkreuz.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jack's memory to Teen Challenge, PO Box 21111 Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N9 or to Watoto, 3310 South Service Road, Suite 103
Burlington, ON L7N 3M6.