George N. Konopasek age 92, of Griffith, IN and most recently Simpsonville, SC passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2017.  George is survived by his children: Barbara (Richard) Lambright of Simpsonville, SC, Kathleen (William) Church of Summerfield, NC, and Edward (Jill) Konopasek of DePere, WI; Grandchildren: Jennifer (Scott) Musgrave-Keller, Jeff Musgrave, Elaine (Robert) Landon, Julie (Mike) Haraburda, Brian Blest, Kyle (Carolyn) Mathews, Kevin (Tina) Mathews, Ellen Mathews, Neil (Heather) Mathews, Nicole Wilson, Michelle Coers, Joshua Konopasek, Kayla Konopasek, Maggie Konopasek, Emma Konopasek; Step-Grandchildren: Kristin (Mark) Jones, Chris Church, Kyle Church; Great-Grandchildren 15; Step-Great-Grandchildren 5.  George was proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Margaret M. Konopasek, and by two of his children: Jody Blest and George K. Konopasek.  Also his parents, Leo B. Konopasek and Ruby D. (Coffman) sister: Carol (Oman) and brothers: Buck, Spike, and Leo Konopasek.

George met Margie Konopasek, the love of his life, at the age of 17 in Hessville, IN.  They were married on December 25, 1948.  They raised their five children in Griffith, IN relocating for their retirement years at Hoffman Lake in Warsaw, IN.  Both Marge and George spent the past several years living in De Pere, WI and Simpsonville, SC to be near their children.

George was drafted and served in the army during WWII.  He spent the entire war as part of a heavy artillery unit seeing time in many European theatres.  George was a combat wounded veteran and was extremely proud to have served his country receiving a purple heart for his sacrifice.  When George returned from the service he became a union plumber and often spoke of his early days at Gatlin Plumbing and Heating in Griffith.  The family vividly remembers dad coming home and telling stories of his boss, Ivan Gatlin, who was a tough nosed individual who ran a sound business.  George later went to work for Circle “R” Mechanical and was especially proud that while working at this company they were commissioned to complete all the plumbing and decorative fountains at South Lake Mall in Merrillville, IN.

Following retirement, George and Marge moved their home to Hoffman Lake near Warsaw, IN.  This was a very special time for George and Marge as most of their grandkids enjoyed spending summer vacations with Grandma and Grandpa learning to swim, fish and most importantly how to properly roast marshmallows and make pudgie pies around the fire.  Grandpa was never happy unless the lawn was manicured, the boats had fresh gas and all fishing equipment was in good working order.  George spent many hours captaining his pontoon boat offering visitors leisurely guided tours around the lake and ferrying kids back and forth to the beach.

In the later years when George and Marge were together, Marge struggled with advancing Alzheimer’s.  It was truly amazing to watch George as he cared for his Margie.  The patience and loving care he offered served as a sterling example of George’s unwavering love for Marge and his commitment made to her on their wedding day to offer unconditional love “in sickness or in health”.  When George married Marge, he became a practicing catholic and demonstrated a strong faith in God.  George and Marge were active members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Griffith, IN and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warsaw, IN.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the wonderful staff at Fairview Assisted Living in Simpsonville, SC where George spend his final weeks.  The staff and residents welcomed George who quickly became a part of their extended community.  The care and socialization he enjoyed at Fairview was something George enjoyed very much. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday July 21, at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Theodore Mens celebrating. Christian burial will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Gary, IN.

Friends may meet with the family on Friday, July 21, 2017 from 9:00am until the time of services at St. Mary’s Catholic Church located at 525 N. Broad St., Griffith, IN.  

In lieu of Flowers memorial may be given to the Alzheimer's Association  at  www.alz.org/join the cause donate.asp in his memory.

For more information please call White Funeral Home at 219-924-4100 or visit us at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com. 

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