Raymond Anthony “Tony” Konkol III, age 56, was called home to heaven and eternal peace by his Lord and Savior on February 24th, 2023, after a five year battle with kidney cancer.  Tony is survived by his wife Ginger, son Drew, and daughter Lauren.  He is further survived by his brother Paul Konkol(Jacqueline Valcq), mother Margo Balestrieri, stepmom Nancy Beauchamp and many other relatives and friends who loved him.  He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Konkol, Jr.

Tony served his country on active duty as an Avionics Guidance Control Tech at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico after attending Pius XI High School and Immaculate Heart of Mary Grade School.  After returning from active duty he joined the WI Air National Guard.  He was deployed to Egypt for a few months with the 128th Air Refueling Group during the Gulf War.   He completed an Associate Degree in Fire Science at M.A.T.C.  Tony later became a Firefighter in the Guard and met Ginger in the same unit on a training mission in Spain.

He served the community as a Milwaukee police officer for a short time after graduating from the academy with his brother Paul in 1993.  Later that year he accepted a job offer from the City of Waukesha to be a Firefighter/EMT.  Tony was a dedicated employee and during his career was promoted to Equipment Operator.  When he drove the fire engines, ladder trucks, and even his personal truck, he had a way of motivating traffic in his path.  He loved to cook at the fire station and at home, making tasty meals in the kitchen and on the grill.  He was medically retired after 25 years of service to the citizens of Waukesha.

Tony loved spending time outdoors with family and friends.  Some of his greatest memories were fishing with his dad and the kids.  He was always prepared with two of every type of fishing rod and lure that he needed.  Tony treasured neighborhood and nature walks with Ginger during their 26 years of marriage.  He also loved exploring the beauty of God’s creation in State and National Parks.  Some of Tony’s vacation highlights with his family included hiking, spotting wildlife, and seeking out famous BBQ spots throughout the country.

Tony ran cross country and track in high school and was thrilled to cheer on Drew and Lauren in those same sports.  He also spent countless hours of his time organizing amazing youth group outings such as camping, ice fishing, and lock-ins while the kids were in grade school.  As the kids got older, he continued to enjoy and participate in many sports with them in every season of the year.  Tony’s faith grew as he navigated life’s joys and challenges.  Throughout his battle the last five years, he held on to God’s promises and is now enjoying the majesty of heaven.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Tony’s Christian Victory Service will be held on Saturday, March 11th, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7809 Harwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213.  Gathering will be from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM.  Memorial Service at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. John’s Church/School or the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Cross Country Program.