Anthony Francis “Tony” Konopa, 76, of rural Frankfort, passed away February 13, 2022 at St. Vincent Kokomo Hospital. He was born June 2, 1945 in Beloit, WI to Frank Edward & Leona (Mayer) Konopa. He married Ann Marie Mauhar on November 11, 1967 at St. Thomas Church in Beloit, WI and she survives.
Tony was a 1964 graduate of Beloit Catholic High School. During Tony’s stint in the U.S. Army, he served in The Vietnam War. He was in Army intelligence attached to (MIBARS) the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion Air R
econnaissance Support as a photo interpreter (Eyes in the sky). His headquarters company was based in Saigon at Muscara Compound. After his time in Vietnam he worked in the Pentagon teaching photo reconnaissance and photo interpretation to other Army Intelligence soldiers. He moved from Wisconsin to Frankfort in 1980 as he was chosen to be part of the startup team in the new, all computerized Frito Lay, working in maintenance as a supervisor. Later he started working as a maintenance supervisor at Coca-Cola in Speedway. He then went on to work at Red Gold in Elwood and even though he never went to college, he became their project engineer, retiring from there. He had a lifelong dream of owning a pet store, so after retirement he opened Natures Wonders Pet Emporium. He and his family attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He had many hobbies including, woodworking, hunting, fishing, raising orchids, gardening, loved his salt water fish aquariums, nature of all kinds and his latest hobby was wine making. Tony’s grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved his family as they meant everything to him. He and Ann had also been foster parents for several years.
Surviving family are his wife: Ann Konopa of rural Frankfort, son: Mark (Nicole) Konopa of Lafayette, 2 daughters: Nichole (Brandon) Bryant of Lafayette and Kimberly (Bryan) Briscoe of Russiaville, 3 brothers: Leroy (Barb) Konopa of Virginia, George (Nancy) Konopa of Beloit, WI and Jerry (Debe) Konopa of Beloit, WI, 6 grandchildren, Jessy, Garrett, Carly, Evee, Landyn and Sawyer. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard (Pat) Konopa
Funeral Services:
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. February 25, 2022 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. February 26, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 600 St. Mary’s Ave., Frankfort. Father Paul Cochran will officiate. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, where you may leave a message for the family.