On Sunday, May 3, 2015 Robert Konopa died at the Milwaukee Catholic Home in the 63rd year of his life, the 32nd year of his religious profession and the 23rd year of his priesthood. Robert Konopa was born in Marshfield, WI, on September 28, 1951, to Norbert and Martha (Vanek) Konopa. He was baptized on the same day at St. Joseph Hospital, Marshfield. Robert completed his grade school education at Arpin Elementary and his secondary education at Auburndale High School in 1969. Upon his graduation from high school, Robert entered Midstate Technical Institute in Wisconsin Rapids where he earned an associate degree in accounting in 1971. Following graduation, Robert began a ten-year work career using his accounting skills first at a Volkswagen dealership and later at an accounting firm. In 1980, he applied to the Franciscan Friars of the Assumption BVM Province and was accepted as a postulant at TAU Fraternity. During that year, while living in Milwaukee, he attended St. Francis de Sales Seminary. Robert entered the novitiate and was invested with the Franciscan habit at St. Mary of the Angels, Green Bay, on August 28, 1981. He made his first profession on August 14, 1982, and his solemn profession on August 8, 1986 in the hands of Fr. William Gulas, OFM at St. Francis Friary, Burlington. During his formation year, Robert completed a B.A. in Applied Psychology at Loyola University in 1985. Following a year of ministry at St. Elizabeth Social Center, Rockford, Illinois, he returned to Chicago to begin his studies at the Catholic Theological Union where he received a M.Div. in 1990. Robert was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1991, by Bishop Richard J. Sklba at St. Francis Friary, Burlington. Robert's first assignment was to serve as associate pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Saginaw. This was a continuation of his time at St. Thomas, where he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Ken Utener and served for one year beginning in 1990. In 1993, he was named Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Greenwood, Mississippi, where he stayed until 1996 before returning to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish to once again serve as associate pastor this time for 12 years. In 2008, Robert returned to St. Francis Friary, Greenwood, but not to serve as pastor. For a number of years, he was involved in Isaiah Ministries, a group who partnered to provide parish missions throughout the States. Robert is survived by brothers Marv of LeCrescent, MN, Don (Sandy) of San Diego, CA, Ron (Theresa) of Marshfield, Wally (Joan) of Wisconsin Rapids, and sister Carol (Rick) Newman of Marshfield; nephew Fr. Brian Konopa, Diocese of La Crosse, many other nieces and nephews and the brothers of the Assumption BVM Province. On Tuesday, May 5, 2015, there will be a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by Prayers for the Deceased at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of Peace Friary, Burlington, WI. Lunch will follow.Visitations will be Thursday, May 7, 2015, at Rembs Funeral Home, 300 S. Oak Avenue, Marshfield, WI from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the vigil at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 8 at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 1414 W. 5th Street, Marshfield, at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow. The burial will take place at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, 146, Milladore, WI after the luncheon.

Marshfield News Herald May 5 2015