JOHN W. KONEFALL

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JOHN W. KONEFALL On Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at home, surrounded by those who loved him, John Konefall, aged 96 was called home to be with the Lord. Many were touched by his life of faith and the gratitude he showed for the loving care he received. Dad, the patriarch of the family, will be dearly missed by daughters, Margaret Scallen, Alice Konefall, SNJM, grandsons, Shawn and Craig Scallen (Ottawa), his extended family, and good friend, Sally Boland. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Pauline; parents, Andrew and Elizabeth; brothers, Tom, Steve; and sister Mary Jacyniak. Dad was born in Camp Morton, MB, February 4, 1907, to parents who immigrated from Poland. They worked the land and soon owned a grocery store in Silver. At an early age, he began learning the skills of a farmer, a carpenter, and a businessman, along with being educated in the local one room school, where he met a wonderful teacher, Pauline Braschuk, who was later to become his wife. John and Pauline were married July 14, 1935 in Arborg. They soon moved to Winnipeg, where Dads career as an entrepreneur began in a grocery store on Logan Avenue. Margaret was born, and she delighted in discovering her surroundings (dropping raw eggs was fun)! Soon the family moved to La Broquerie, where Dad purchased the hotel. John and Pauline worked long hard hours and hospitality was key to their success. Alice was born, and what a world there was to discover! The family moved to Winnipeg, where Dad became a travel agent, realtor and insurance agent, establishing Metro Agencies. He served his clients well. Dad was also a gardener, a fisherman, a hunter. He enjoyed being on the lake, in the woods, marshes, with relatives or friends, like "Jock". Dad lived his faith by prayer and service in Holy Family and Holy Cross parishes. On parish councils, the Board of Holy Cross Manor, a life member of the Knights of Columbus, friend and supporter of pastors, he contributed his time and talent to build the faith community. His declining years brought new challenges. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Dad entered the world of cancer treatment. We are deeply grateful for the professional excellence and compassionate care he received from Dr. Charles Olweny, Dr. Andrew Cooke, and the staff at St. Boniface Cancer Care. We also thank all the "home care" and palliative care persons who helped us to tend to Dads needs. Denise, you were with him, all the way! Dad received strength and courage from visits of family and good friends, including, Rev. Bob Baxter and Joe Stang! He especially enjoyed the visit from Shawn and Craig. Dad, in turn blessed us, and died peacefully, eager to "be with God". Margaret and Alice thank all who supported us with their prayers, presence and care packages. Prayer vigil, Friday June 13 at 7:00 p.m. Rev. R. Baxter will preside at the Eucharist of the Resurrection at Holy Cross Church, 252 Dubuc, on Saturday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Boniface Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Shawn and Craig Scallen, Norman and David Konefall, Leo Soenen, Bob Sparling. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Winnipeg Harvest, Cancer Care Manitoba or the Father Wilf Daniels Memorial Fund, c/o St. Anns Parish. John, beloved of God, "Welcome home, good and faithful servant"! LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements. 775-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2003