Barbara Konopacke

KINGSFORD - Barbara J. Konopacke, 71, of 825 Brookfield, Kingsford, died Wednesday, July 12, 2006, at Freeman's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kingsford. She was born on July 1, 1935, in Stambaugh, to Cazimier and Felicia (Dzarnowski) Myefski. She married Joseph Konopacke on May 7, 1960, in Iron Mountain, He preceded her in death in 2003. Barb graduated from Iron River High School in 1953. She continued her education at Columbus Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago and received her nursing degree in 1956. She practiced nursing in Chicago and Iron Mountain. Barb retired from her career in 1996, as director of Early Childhood Education at the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District, where she was an innovator in the field of education, recognized on both a state and national level. She was a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church and Pine Grove Country Club. She was an avid golfer. Barb loved to travel and visit her grandchildren. Prior to her husband's death, the couple spent six years wintering in Mesa, Ariz. She is survived by three children, Mary (James) Michner of Okemos, lower Michigan, Michael (Lori) Konopacke of Owosso, lower Michigan., and Mark (Victoria) Konopacke of Delmary, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Hannah and Gabriel Michner, Kaycee, Megan and Erin Konopacke, and Jake and Taylor Konopacke; one sister, Sister Mary Agusta of the sisters of St. Joseph in Stevens Point, Wis..; two brothers, John (Joyce) Myefski of Iron River and Louis (Joan) Myefski of Marquette. Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, two sisters, Bernice Bedwell and Ann Larkin, and five brothers, Charles, William, Alex, Frank and Joseph Myefski. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Michael Woempner will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Barbara Konopacke online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements. The family wishes to give special thanks to Mim and Butch Christensen, Fr. Mike Woempner, Diane McGinnis, Ann Woempner and the caring staff at Freeman Nursing Home.

Barbara Konopacke

July 12, 1935 - July 12, 2006