Gerald Julius “Jerry” Konen, 96, of Little River, passed away July 28, 2022, at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home, Little River. He was born June 21, 1926, in Piqua, the son of Bernard H. “Ben” and Julia J. (Ulrich) Konen.
Jerry has resided in Little River since 1962, formerly of Hugoton and Piqua, Kansas. He served in the United States Army during World War II from December 11, 1944, until August 21, 1946. Jerry retired from Santa Fe Railroad as a depot agent telegrapher after 39 years of service. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Little River, where he served as sacristan, Eucharistic minister, church treasurer, PSR teacher, altar boy, and altar boy trainer. Jerry was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7422 of Lyons, member of the Sandstone Heights building committee, and former mayor and judge of the City of Little River.
On January 3, 1949, Jerry was united in marriage with Dorothy Westerman in Piqua. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his four sons, Michael Konen and wife Debbie of Little River; Mark Konen and wife Mary of Little River; Steven Konen and wife Kathy of Clearwater; and Gregory Konen and wife Carrie of Edmond, OK; three daughters, Julita Konen of Little River; Mary Ramage and husband Rex of Collinsville, OK; and Brenda Wright and husband Brian of Little River; thirty-one grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Konen; sister, Mary Frances Thummel; and great-granddaughter, Hazel Ramage.
Funeral mass will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, August 1, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Little River, with Father Aaron Spexarth and Father Edmond Kline officiating. Burial will follow at Bean Memorial Cemetery, Little River with military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be 2:00 until 4:00 P.M., Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present with a rosary prayed at 4:00 P.M.