David Konkol

Winchester - Dave Konkol, 67 of Winchester, passed away Sunday, November 29th after a hard-fought battle with Covid. Dave was born to Edwin and Agnes Konkol in 1953 in Menasha. After graduating from Menasha High School in 1971, he attended UW-Oshkosh graduating with a BA in Business. On July 12th, 1980, Dave married Kathy DeLain at St. Bernadette Church in Appleton.

Between his birth and death Dave's life alongside his loving wife Kathy, was nothing less than extraordinary. Dave was in the very truest sense an avid outdoorsman. One of his biggest joys was working his 40 acre farmette, especially driving around on his Kubota tractor, and making hay while the sun shined. After a short career in the packaging industry, Dave turned his back on convention and followed his passion and interests to create a life less ordinary. Not many other people than Dave could have taken a simple interest in exotic birds and grow it into the wild menagerie that would become Care O' Sell Meadows whose residents included Sherman the House Pig, Louis the Tortoise, and a plethora of emus, rheas, goats, llamas and so many other creatures. From there, Dave and Kathy took on another small hobby off buying and selling orchids and started Big Oak Orchids, a highly successful orchid business. It was Dave's respect for others and integrity that allowed him to succeed in these and many other endeavors. His appreciation and care for the simple things in life is why we appreciate him.

Dave is survived by his brothers Jim (Carol) and Tom (Sue) Konkol and a brother-in-law-Marv Grunske; his wife, Kathy (DeLain) and Kathy's family to whom Dave was the "7th Son"; Molly DeLain, Tom (Cathy) DeLain, Peggy (Jim) Bevers, Rick DeLain, Jenny (Bill) Grau, Dave DeLain, Mike (Kris Charais) DeLain, Sue (Tim) Schuelke, Sarah (Don) Sprister, Paul (Leslie) DeLain, Ed (Vicki) DeLain, Laura (John) Wensink, and Rob (Katie) DeLain; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Bernice Grunske and numerous aunts and uncles.

Dave's family and friends look forward to getting together this summer when we can properly celebrate the life of this extraordinary man.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for David Konkol

Sponsored by Valley Funeral Home - Appleton.

14 Entries

Vicki Schmidt

August 16, 2025

Dear Kathy, we think of you every time heading west on Hwy 10 crossing above your road...and every time we go back into our little goats' barn. They were the most delightful pets, thanks to you and Dave. Years are passing so quickly. I hope they're being kind. Prayers for Dave.

Tom Jansen

September 20, 2023

I´m so saddened to hear of Dave´s passing. Although I was a couple of year´s older than David, we were very close friends having grown up 3 houses away down 6th street during those "wonder years" when all we had was our bicycles and fishing poles. David and I spent many hours down at the Menasha dam catching white bass and getting into trouble. Seems like only yesterday...rest easy my old friend.

Vicki Schmidt

August 8, 2021

Kathy, Dick and I are so saddened to hear of Dave's passing. We will always remember you and Dave showing us around your farm, all your critters, Sherman... and of course, adopting our three little boy goats from you, saving them from "somebody's table"... Take care, my friend. We are so sorry for your loss.

Timothy and Tina Simmons

December 21, 2020

Tina and I just heard and we're so shocked. We've known Dave and Kathy for many years. Both of them have always been a blast to visit with. Take care Kathy. Are prays are with you.

Kathy Konkol

December 11, 2020

Miss him so much. His family, friends and orchid customers meant so much to him that he would be happy to know that people thought so much of him. Thank you

Steve Evans

December 10, 2020

I only knew Dave through his Ebay store. I loved ordering from him. He always treated you with difnity and respect. I will truly miss doing business with him.

Judith

December 10, 2020

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dave advised me on orchids for many years and most of my collection came from him. Great guy who will be missed by many.

Shoshana Grambo

December 9, 2020

He was my favorite orchid vendor/ ebay seller. Seemed so personable in our brief interactions through eBay. He'd always kindly respond...He had his HEART In it. Of that l am sure. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Diane Heller

December 9, 2020

Such a huge loss. My sympathy to his family. He was such a nice person to talk to at all the orchid shows. So knowledgable. Very sad to think of not seeing his smiling face at future shows.

Pam Heindl Cleveland

December 8, 2020

David and I were neighborhood friends during our grade school years. We did many things together. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathy to his entire family.

Pam Heindl Cleveland

December 8, 2020

David was such a great childhood friend. I have so many fond memories of all the things we did together. My sympathy to the entire family!
God Bless, Pam Heindl Cleveland

Joyce and Randy Gershman

December 7, 2020

We are so very sorry for the too-soon loss of Dave. Peace and blessings to you.
Friends of Sarah and Don

Mike and Mary Olson

December 4, 2020

So sorry for your loss, Kathy and family. Thanks be to God for the honor of having a life with this apparently creative, caring, hard working, and loving soul. The Olson family- Friends of Laura and John Wensink

Jeff Johnson

December 4, 2020

Thanks for letting me know Kathy. You know we can talk anytime you need some one to listen, when your great family runs out. You know Dave and I go back a long way, 67 is still too young. Rest in PEACE my friend.

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