Keith Gregory Konopka

Keith Gregory Konopka, born January 6, 1952, to Milford E. and Marjorie D. Konopka, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on October 19, 2024. Keith honorably served in the U.S. Navy from November 7, 1978, to March 3, 1980. Keith devoted his life to helping others, serving as a missionary in Brazil and Chile in his early 20s. Later in life, he organized fundraising efforts through meal catering and thrift sales to support causes in Ireland, Haiti, Macedonia, and Chile. His commitment to his faith was reflected in his involvement with Christ Temple, co-founded and pastored by his uncle, Harold Ashby, where he not only led worship through piano and song but also shared the Word with the congregation. He also led a family bible study for Sunday school at The Cathedral for a period of time. Professionally, Keith excelled in sales, dedicating the majority of his career to car sales at Wright Motors in Evansville, IN. His charm and kindness left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Through his parenting years, Keith loved escaping with a great book. His favorite authors were Stephen King and Dean Koontz. He loved taking his family to the beach every summer where they would enjoy walking on the beach—hunting for shells in the morning and sand crabs at night, deep sea fishing followed by a delicious fish fry back at the condo, and just spending time in the ocean. He enjoyed a good game of cards (Rook, Euchre, Clabber, Rummy) and playing his guitar and the piano. He instilled the love of music in all his children. He loved setting off fireworks on 4th of July and bubble lights on Christmas trees. In his later years, he spent his time cooking, spending time with his 9 grandchildren whom he was so very proud of, hiking through Lincoln State Park with his wife and mother-in-law, and laying in his hammock in the backyard. He enjoyed setting bonfires to enjoy with his grandkids in the backyard. His most cherished pastime, though, was spending time with his best friend, Doc Holliday, his sweet, dachshund-shitzu doggo. Doc was faithfully by Keith’s side for 13 years, enjoying old westerns and Fox News. He is now completely beside himself, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Keith is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Sharon L. Konopka; daughters, Heather L. Williams—Daughter of Patti Wilson (Steve D. Williams), Micha D. Gardner (Adam R. Gardner), Kassi G. Peerman (Jacob T. Peerman), and son, Caleb G. Konopka. He was a cherished grandfather to Rebecca L. Williams, Josiah G. Williams, Danielle E. Gardner, Noah B. Gardner, Olivia G. Gardner, Ruby L. Peerman, Eli G. Konopka, Emery R. Konopka, and Aubrey P. Konopka. He is also survived by beloved aunts and several cousins. Keith was preceded in death by his parents; grandmother, Mom Ashby; brother, Milford Gale Konopka; mother and father- in-law, James and Elizabeth Wedding; sister-in-law, Pat Wedding; brothers-in-law, Bob Wedding and Mike Brown, and his pastor and uncle, Harold Ashby. Keith's legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and his Celebration of Life service starting at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Weekday Christian Education (www.weekdayevansville.com), in honor of his memory. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com.