Louis Konopka

Louis R. Konopka, 83, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at his home with his family at his side. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M.  Saturday, October 17, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave. Benton Harbor, with Fr. Michael Rejent officiating. Military Rites will follow the service, provided by Stevensville American Legion Post #568.  Friends may visit beginning at 9:30 A.M. Saturday at the church.  Memorial donations may be made to St. John-St. Bernard Parish.  Those wishing to sign Louie’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Louie was born November 8, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to Louis D. & Helen (Cnota) Konopka.  The family moved from Chicago to Vandalia, Michigan where they operated a farm, and Louie graduated from Cassopolis High School, Class of 1950.  Louie served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.  On November 8, 1972, Louie married the former Barbara Watts Lucker in St. Joseph.  He was employed for 30 plus years by Miller Distributing, retiring in 1994 as warehouse manager.  Louie was a member of St. John-St. Bernard Parish and American Legion Post #105 in Benton Harbor.  He formerly belonged to the local Teamsters and the Jungle Inn Skydiver’s Club.  In his free time, Louie enjoyed playing cards, mushroom hunting, working in his garage, and cheering for the Chicago Bears and NASCAR’s #88 Dale, Jr. Louie is survived by his wife Barbara; his children-Louis Donald (Signa) Konopka of Poulsbo, WA, Michael Lucker of Stevensville, Suzanne (Rob) Lucker Mazigian of Stevensville; eleven grandchildren-Katie & Alex (Kalen) Konopka, Chad & Jessica Pence, Jennifer & Joshua Cook, Bobby, Zach & Carly Mazigian, Kaitlyn & Adam Lucker; three great-grandchildren-Larissa & Tate Cook & Gabe Konopka; his brother Stanley (Betty) Konopka of South Bend; two sisters-Christine McQueary of Mishawaka & Eileen (Bob) Adams of Niles; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by daughter Lori Lucker Cook in 2007 & her husband Dana T. W. Cook in 2006, daughter Debra Konopka Pence in 2014, and his good friend Ron Ricketts in 2014.