Obituary for Jeffrey Philip Konesko
May 6, 1954 – July 10, 2023
Jeffrey Philip Konesko, age 69, passed away at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee on Monday, July 10, 2023.
Jeff was born in Racine to Felix and Marie (nee: Boivin) Konesko on May 6, 1954. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1972. On May 31, 1980, Jeff was united in marriage to Kathleen “Kathy” Reinhard, celebrating 43 years together in May.
Jeff retired from Styberg Engineering, where he was a dedicated and loyal employee as a Quality Control Technician for over 45 years. Jeff played semi-pro baseball for many years as a member of the Racine Redbirds. After his playing days, he stayed involved as an umpire for WIAA baseball and softball. Jeff was recognized as one of the top umpires by Racine Kiwanis Baseball and Little League Baseball, not only in Wisconsin but also nationally. He was an avid bowler, taking his game throughout Wisconsin and across the country.
Jeff played the accordion for Shalom Yahad, a Christian group whose outreach was to bridge the gap between the Jewish and Christian Communities. More recently, he played the trumpet with the classic rock band, Hammered Brass. Among his interests and hobbies, Jeff spent time fishing and hunting; expanding his model train collection; supporting and following all Wisconsin sports teams; and learning the rules and regulations of any new sport as it became popular.
Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of Racine; daughters, Jenny (Chris) Kraase of Greenfield, Rachael (David) Niles of Racine, and sons, Jeff (Kelly) Konesko of Yorkville, and Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Matthew (Ashley) Konesko of Savannah, Ga; grandchildren, Tyler (Megan) and Caleb Kraase, Xander, Zane, Ezekiel, and Azariah Niles, Nadia and Brianna Konesko, and Elijah Konesko; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Liberty, Ardyn, and Malyk, brothers and sisters-in-law, SFC (Ret.) Kenneth (Lisa), Wendy, Candice, and Patrick, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jeffrey is preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Marie Konesko, brother, Gary Konesko, and brother-in-law, Scott Reinhard.
Services
Services celebrating Jeff’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, July 17, 2023, at 4 p.m. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service. Private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in Jeff’s name to the American Cancer Society of Wisconsin or Racine Kiwanis Baseball.
Jeff’s family would like to thank Dr. Mullane and the team at Aurora Cancer Center – Racine; the doctors, nurses and staff at Aurora Medical Center – Mount Pleasant; and the doctors, nurses, hospice and staff at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center – Milwaukee in showing compassion for Jeff and his family.
Obituary and photo courtesy of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.
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