Michael John Konen

SCOTTSDALE - Michael John Konen, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on September 18, 2023 at the age of 67. Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Renée, his three children, Erin (Ryan) Ellis, Andrew (Lisa), and Matthew (Melissa). He was an adoring "Papa" to his five grandchildren, Avery, Addison, Harper, Lincoln, and Landon, whose giggles filled the room when Mike would chase them around. He also leaves behind three brothers, Thomas (Debbie), Gary (Barbara), and Paul, brother-in-law Jeff (Jean) D'Orio, two sisters-in-law Michele (Lonnie) Capps, and Mary Elise (Philip) Hosler, and several nieces and nephews. Born on May 8, 1956 in Urbana, IL to Robert and Alyce Konen, Mike grew up on a farm in Aurora, IL that produced soybeans and corn. The oldest of four brothers and driven by natural ambition, Mike was helping on the farm and driving tractors by the age of 8. He met his love, Renée, while attending the University of Illinois and the two were married in 1978 shortly after Mike graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. From there he went on to receive his MBA from Oklahoma State University. In 1989, Mike and Renée moved to Scottsdale with their three children and made a full life for themselves that included dozens of close friends. His passion for finance led him to serving on the Board of Directors for Desert Financial credit union for over 30 years. He also obtained his CFP and served as a financial advisor. Mike was an avid woodworker who made beautiful custom furniture and on any given day he could be found in the garage-turned-workshop, perfecting his latest piece. Mike always enjoyed learning about other cultures and he was fortunate to be able to travel the world throughout his career, visiting places all over the UAE, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. His wanderlust continued in his later years, as he and Renée cruised all around the world and visited dozens of destinations, from the Panama Canal all the way up to Sweden, where he has ancestral ties. Mike will be dearly missed for his quiet humor, his premium handyman skills, and his delicious homemade cinnamon rolls and creme brulee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Alyce Konen. A Memorial Mass will be held on October 14 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Community Church, 10815 N 84th St. in Scottsdale. Please visit hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.