Katherine "Margaret" Konkol passed away on November 23, 2021, at the age of 88 at the Murray County Medical Center. She was born in Onamia, Minnesota, on October 25, 1933, the fifth of twelve children born to John and Katherine (Kertzman) Vander Heyden. Margaret grew up on the family farm and graduated from Onamia High School in 1950. She attended St. Cloud State Teacher's College and became an elementary teacher. Margaret taught third grade in Kimball, Minnesota, and that is where she met her husband, Howard "Jake" Konkol, who taught there as well. Margaret and Jake were united in marriage on June 18, 1955,
in Onamia Minnesota, in a double wedding ceremony with her sister, Frances. In 1958, Margaret and Jake moved to Slayton where they raised their six children. After their youngest child went to school, Margaret returned to teaching as a paraprofessional and playground supervisor until her retirement in 1994. Besides her love for her family, Margaret had many hobbies. She loved gardening, crocheting, playing bridge, working crossword puzzles and Soduku. She especially loved traveling and enjoyed going to Branson, Missouri, to listen to Daniel O'Donnell. She visited all fifty states and all Canadian Provinces. Her Catholic faith was very important to her as she taught CCD for six years, attended Bible study classes, was a member of Catholic Daughters, the prayer chain, and volunteered for coffee hour every Friday morning after church services. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Margaret also taught herself to play the piano and accordion. Along with her many hobbies, she always found time to attend her children's and grandchildren's school/sporting events and loved spending time with family. Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. It was her greatest blessing.
Margaret is preceded in death by her infant son Russell; daughter-in-law Erin; parents John and Katherine and infant brother Alfred Vander Heyden; sisters Anna (Tootie) Simon, Frances Mahal, Irene Jacobson; brother John Vander Heyden; sisters-in-law Daisy, Karen and Jeanne Vander Heyden; brothers-in-law, Frank Simon, George Mahal, Earl Jacobson, Clarence Czech, David Pick, and Celestine Mischke.

Funeral Services

St. Ann's Church in Slayton, MN on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The organist is Sharon Lais. The song leader is Sheila Crowley. The pallbearers are her grandchildren. Interment is a St. Ann's Cemetery in Slayton, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday. The family of Margaret wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the caring staff of Slayton Rehabilitation Center, Maple Lawn Nursing Home, and the Murray County Medical Center.