SALEM - Walter M. Konopka, 83, husband of Anna (Drebit) Konopka, of Peabody, formerly of Salem, died Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at the Pilgrim Rehabilitation Center, Peabody, following a short illness.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late John and Michelina (Wielaba) Konopka. He was a resident of Salem until moving to Peabody where he has resided for the past 30 years.
Mr. Konopka was a Coast Guard veteran of WWII, and attained the rating of Seaman First Class.
Prior to his retirement in 2001, he was employed for 43 years at DSM NeoResins in Wilmington.
He was a member of the American Legion, Herman A. Spear Post, Beverly, the VFW, Post 1011 in Peabody and the Massachusetts Chapter of the DAV.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage, he is survived by two sons & daughters-in-law, John Stephen and Sandra Konopka of Peabody, Gary Michael and Mary Ellen Konopka of Palmsdale, CA, 7 grandchildren, Suzanne, John Jr., Christopher, Amanda, Lisa, Judith, Michael, 3 great grandchildren, Ivy Marie, Charles, Max Edward, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Chester F. Konopka, Sr. and Bertha Budzinski.
His funeral service will be held Friday, September 22, 2006 at 9:30 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am at St. James Church, Salem. Visiting hours are Thursday, 5 to 8 pm. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Burial is in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to the Hospice of The North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. For guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.