Bernard "Bernie" Konek Jr., 82, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

The service will be livestreamed at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDGOHJ5jN8

Bernard John Konek Jr. was born November 1, 1940, in Spring Valley, IL to Bernard and Adele (Pizner) Konek. He was an only child and grew up in Spring Valley where he attended Hall High School graduating in the class of 1958. Following high school, Bernie attended LPO Junior College in La Salle, IL and earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Tri-State College in Angola, IN.

On December 24, 1962, Bernie was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Pawlak in Spring Valley, IL. The couple made their home in Spring Valley before moving to Iowa and were blessed with three children, Kurt, Amy, and Mark. Bernie made a career as an accountant at Westclox and Sundstrand, and as a Plant Controller at Bourns Incorporated and Tama Paperboard Company. Mary passed away in 2000, after the couple had been married for 37 years. In 2004, Bernie met and married Jeanne Alice Inks, and Bernie gained two stepsons, Jeff and Randy. Bernie and Jeanne continued to live in Ames and enjoyed retirement living in Florida and most recently Arizona. He was also a member of Saint Cecilia Catholic Church and the Elks Lodge in Ames. Jeanne passed away in May of 2023.

Bernie was an avid golfer and experienced the amazing accomplishment of a hole-in-one while golfing in Colorado on a family vacation. He was very active and liked playing softball and bocce ball. Bernie had a competitive personality and could be found having much success playing Texas Hold'em poker and slots at the casino. He relaxed while consuming a beverage or two with an occasional cigar. Most of all, Bernie treasured time spent with his entire family and sharing memories together.

Bernie will be deeply missed by his children, Kurt (Becky) Konek, and Amy (Tim) Morales; stepchildren, Jeff (Susan) Inks, and Randy (Pamela) Inks; grandchildren, Hayley Konek, Payton Konek, Sydney Morales, Geneva Morales, Angela (Alfonso) Chavez, A.J. Inks and Grant Inks; and one great-grandson, Emiliano Chavez.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first-wife, Mary Catherine Konek; second-wife, Jeanne Alice Inks; and son, Mark Konek.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial that will be determined at a later date. Contributions may sent via Venmo to @Kurt-Konek or mailed to Kurt Konek 3508 Rosebud Ave, Monroe, IA 50170.