Viola Ella Konkel

Viola E. Konkel, 96, formerly of Galloway, died peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Rennes Health & Rehab, Weston.

Viola was born on July 28, 1929, in Shawano County, the daughter of Clarence and Claricy (Geurin) Wendler.

On November 26, 1949, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, George "Larry" Konkel, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Wausau. They shared 66 wonderful years of marriage before Larry's passing on March 6, 2016.

Together, Viola and Larry raised seven children: Kathryn, David, Susan, Alice, Pamela, William, and Ralph. Viola was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother.

She had a deep love for the Lord and was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Galloway. You could always find her giving of her time for many of the church functions. Viola was a wonderful baker and enjoyed gardening and flowers. Viola liked playing bingo with her Rennes family and played card games like Crazy Eights and Solitaire, as well as Tri-Ominos and working on word searches. She also found joy in listening to polka music and watching her favorite polka shows. Viola cherished time spent with her family and friends.

Viola is survived by six children, David (Sherri) Konkel of Galloway, Susan (Paul) Buss of Eland, Alice (Duane) Burclaw of Rosholt, Pamela (David) Backes of Birnamwood, William (Sue) Konkel and Ralph Konkel, all of Galloway; 15 grandchildren, Kendall (Abby) Mason, Michelle (Brad) Davis, Jeffrey Konkel, Rebecca (Scott) Backes, Sarah (Tim) Sheldon, Brandon (Amber) Buss, Annie (Eric) McCleery, Joey (Stephanie) Burclaw, Angie (Ryan) Mead, Steve (April) Burclaw, Nick Burclaw, Ryan (Annie) Backes, Amanda Ladecki, Tracey (Brad) Jozwiak and Ashley (Bob) Weisenberger; 26 great grandchildren, Kelsie, Dylan, Jadyn, Piper, Elaina, Jamie, Oliver, Flynn, Roman, Sadie, Kaydence, Levi, Laylah, Daniel, Reagan, Rynslee, Damion, Chase, Abigail, Esther, Hannah, Brady, Leah, Gracelyn, Aaliyah, and Tony; siblings, Lucille Bricco, Evelyn Verkuilen, Merry (Roger) Voigt and Roger Wendler; siblings-in-law, Mike (Georgia) Swenson and Lenore Sprangers, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Kathy; siblings and in-laws, Ardell (Norman) Uttecht, Deanna (Ray) Elmer, Sally Swenson, Clarence (Pat) Wendler, Darell Verkuilen, Bob Bricco, Mary Jane Wendler, as well as many other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Galloway. Rev. Augustine Bentil will preside. Burial of both Viola and her daughter, Kathy will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, from 4-7PM at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, with the Rosary being recited at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday, from 8-9:45 AM at the church.

Memories and messages of support may be shared at www.schmidtschulta.com.

The family would like to thank those who took care Viola while she was at home and the caregivers at Aspirus Hospice and Rennes Health & Rehab for their kind and compassionate care.