Raymond H. Konkel

PORTAGE – Raymond H. Konkel, age 80, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2024, surrounded by his family at the Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, WI after struggling with multiple health issues for the past year.

Raymond was born to Albert and Ingeborg (Hoverson) Konkel on January 2, 1944.  He was baptized March 26, 1944, and confirmed March 30, 1958, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Dells.  He married the love of his life, Bonnie, on June 21, 1980.

Raymond lived for most of his life farming in the Township of Lewiston, except when he served in the Army in Kaiserslautern, Germany from November 27, 1964, to November 8, 1967, and his move to Portage in October 2023.

When not working on the farm raising pigs and beef cattle or planting, tending, and harvesting crops, he enjoyed hunting, fishing with Bonnie and family, shooting pool, playing cards, dancing, causing mischief, and a “warm beer.”  Uff da!  He loved going to auctions, tinkering with machinery (parts left over) and eating lutefisk and lefse.  He’d frequently be seen on a tractor or in his truck with his daughter Heidi, accompanied by his beloved canine friends.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Schneider); daughters, Heidi Konkel (husband, Clint Otto) and Brenda Konkel (husband, Rob Bloch); grandchildren, Brittny (husband, Rob Helf and great grandson, Grayson) and Tim (wife, Becky Konkel, great-grandchildren, Rylie, McKenzie and Jaxon); his brother, Alfred Konkel; sister, Hazel Kennaugh (John); brother-in-law, George (Natalie) Schneider; sister-in-law, Eva Groppe.  He is also survived by dear friend, Dean Wimann, plus nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brian (and wife, Theresa Konkel), parents, Albert and Ingeborg, sister, Arlene (and husband, Kenneth Hall), brother, Edward (and wife, Vanita Konkel), and in-laws, Elmer and Gladys Schneider, and brother-in-law, Robert Groppe.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, with the Rev. Greg Hovland officiating.  Military honors will follow at the church, provided by Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard.  Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

As Ray would say, “Mange Takk!” to Pastors Greg Hovland and Rod Armon, and the many friends, neighbors and family members who showed so many acts of kindness and sent thoughts, prayers and well wishes during this difficult time.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.