Post Messenger Recorder -

John J. Konopacki, age 83, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg on February 15, 2023, surrounded by family. John was born in the village of Wyszka, Poland, on June 12, 1939, to Felix and Antionette (Sawicki) Konopacki.

During World War II, the family was forced to leave their small farm and eventually immigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago. Despite the difficult circumstances of their journey, John would recall happy memories of getting chocolate from soldiers and playing soccer at the camps the family temporarily called home.

Inspired by fond memories of his early years on the farm in Poland, John later followed his dream of becoming a farmer and bought a dairy operation on the Sugar River in Brooklyn, Wisconsin, in 1971. There, he and Dorothy began their family and always tried to balance the hard work of farm life with moments of joy.

John loved learning and kept busy with many hobbies. He enjoyed working with his hands and could fix anything on the farm. Devoted to his kids and grandkids, he was always interested in their lives. He enjoyed picnics at the park on weekends, Friday night fish fry at the New Glarus Hotel, and any chance to get out on a dance floor. He and his partner of 17 years, Jean, met and spent much time dancing the night away at the East Side Club and VFW in Madison.

John will be remembered for his kind heart, humility, and child-like spirit. He believed that thoughts become things, and stressed the power of positive thinking. He would always assume the best about others and would say something positive about people no matter what the situation. John was a Christian man, and when faced with a challenge would often ask what Jesus would do.

John is survived by his long-time companion, Jean Bartosch; his children, John (Janet) Konopacki Jr., Jenny (John) Patritti, Laura (Dan Lautenschleger) Konopacki, Larry (Meghan) Konopacki, and Trish (Manny) Figueroa; and grandchildren, Justin and Dylan Konopacki, Jayden, William, and Aleah Patritti, Mason, Cole, and Kate Konopacki, and Maya and Teo Figueroa. He is further survived by his brothers, Chester (Stella), Dominic (Jeannine), Walter, Mike (Vicki), and Mitch (Chris) Konopacki; ex-wife, Dorothy Konopacki; sister-in-law, Rose Pajak; and many loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; niece, Christine Gratzke; and nephew, Paul Konopacki.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at St. Mary's Hospital and Agrace Hospice Care for their compassion and capable hands.

A celebration of John's life will be held later this summer with details to follow. Inurnment will be at Highland Memory Gardens, Cottage Grove, WI.

John was a faithful supporter of many charities. In lieu of flowers, John would be touched by any contributions made in his memory to: Boys Town https://www.boystown.org, Food for the Poor https://foodforthepoor.org, or Agrace Hospice https://www.agrace.org.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at http://www.bealfuneralhomes.com.