Chris Konzelman

1949 - 2021

Chris Konzelman

September 14, 1949-May 18, 2021

Chris Konzelman went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2021. Family and friends remember his sense of humor, his adventurous spirit, and his deep and abiding love. Those who worked with Chris describe him as brilliant and resourceful. He was an unpretentious man who knew how to invent and fix things - from cars to robots.

Chris was born in McMinnville. His parents, Ralph and Ellen Konzelman, and his younger sister, Karen, saw his adventurous spirit from an early age. When Chris was five years old, he rode his bicycle across town alone and without the knowledge of his parents. The family moved to Dayton around this time, providing Chris with even more opportunities for adventure.

The Konzelman family was musically blessed. Inspired by their mother Ellen and encouraged by their father Ralph, Chris and his sister Karen discovered their own musical talents. Starting in the fourth grade, Chris played the trumpet at church with his immediate family (Ralph on trumpet, Ellen on piano, Karen on saxophone or piano) and other family members. In 1965, Chris was selected to play in the FFA National Band at the national FFA convention in Kansas City. He traveled there by train with three other students from Oregon.

Chris graduated from Dayton High School in 1967 and from Oregon Technical Institute (OTI) in 1969 with an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree. While attending OTI in Ashland, Chris met Winona "Nonie" Serle at church. Chris and Nonie were married on September 12, 1970 in Oceanside, California and moved to Corvallis (and later to Albany).

Chris served in the Army National Guard of Oregon until his honorable discharge in 1971. Over the years, Chris worked at Firestone, Flomatcher, G & J Tire and Automotive, Intelledex, Applied Theory, Phoenix Process Automation, ATS Systems, Concept Systems and CorrQuest.

Chris and Nonie were blessed with three amazing sons: Scott, Kevin and Eric. They planted seeds of faith deep in their three sons. Their faith in God is evident today, and they are honorable, loving, hardworking, devoted men. In turn, each son married a remarkable woman (Gina, Jody and Megan). Chris loved each daughter-in-law and was so very thankful for their many gifts, strengths, love and contributions. Greatest of joys, Chris was blessed with seven grandchildren: Ashleigh, Jordynn, Tim, Brenden, Jenna, Ella, and Ava. He cherished each grandchild and relished his role as Grandpa and Papa.

Nonie was diagnosed with cancer and battled it for more than 15 years. Chris faithfully cared for Nonie during her journey. She went to be with the Lord on July 7, 2004.

Chris later met Peg Woodward. Peg's husband Jerry had also died from cancer. Peg and Chris were married on December 27, 2009. Chris and Peg were welcomed by both families, including their children Scott, Kevin, Eric, Sarah, and Ben.

For Chris, family, friends, and travel were the greatest joys in life. He said that travel provided a different perspective. His work involved travel within the United States as well as extensive international travel. Chris traveled to Costa Rica and Mexico several times on mission trips where he was involved in building projects. Chris and Nonie traveled to nine countries in Europe on their 25th wedding anniversary. Chris and Peg traveled to a number of locations, including St. Lucia, Switzerland, Alaska, Mexico, and the Netherlands.

During hospice, Chris was cared for by Peg, Sarah, and Ben. Peg and Chris are thankful for the loving support provided during this time by all their children and grandchildren.

Chris will also be missed by his sister, Karen Springer and her husband Norm, brother-in-law, Pete Serle and his wife, Linda, sister-in-law, Pam Serle, nieces and nephews, Beth (Audrey & Winn), Jim (Elise, Emmett, Ezra, Elliott), Emily (Anthony & Colton), Ryan, Danny (Miley & family), Shalon, Derek, Erin, and all of the Woodward family.

A memorial service for Chris will take place at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, at The Shift Church, 5775 SE Columbus Street, Albany, 97322. Please RSVP to: https://forms.gle/UPgEbVHQ6W3ADNEk6

Memorial contributions can be made to: the Belize Mission at the Grove Church, 241 W 1st Ave, Albany, OR 97321, or Cancer Research Institute, 29 Broadway, Floor 4, New York, NY 10006.

Fisher Funeral Home is handling arrangements. www.fisherfuneralhome.com